Willy Lom Failure Of The American Dream

Death of a Salesman: Failure of the American Dream

Arthur Miller’s prized play Death of a Salesman tells the tragic story of a conflicted salesman, Willy Loman, who encounters personal failure and disappointment throughout his life. When faced with his numerous failures, Willy chooses to live in the past through memories and flash-backs to convince himself of his success. Loman symbolizes the idyllic American Dream of the time, where the promise of the perfect wife, a beautiful home, and a fruitful life seemed within every American’s reach. As the play unfolds, Willy’s search for financial success becomes the vehicle of his demise, and Arthur Miller exposes the failure of the Dream in contemporary society.

As a young boy, Biff, Willy’s
To his chagrin, Willy is forced to face his boss’ rejection and eventual termination as he appeals in a fit of rage,

I’m talking about your father! There were promises made across this desk! I put thirty-four years into this firm, Howard, and now I can’t pay my insurance! You can’t eat the orange and throw the peel away - a man is not a peace of fruit! (2.143).

Loman’s plea falls on deaf ears, and the desperate salesman is left with nothing after thirty-four years of loyal service. Willy’s self-worth and psychological sanity slowly deteriorate when he faces the disappointing reality of who he’s become - a salesman, an obsolete commodity and nothing more.

Originally, the American Dream at the time was built by hard-working men like Willy Loman seeking money and security for their families. Arthur Miller brilliantly criticizes the flaws of that Dream when Willy is left with nothing and must accept that profit and corporate greed have replaced morality, decency, and loyalty. As a result, Willy represents the years of dedication and earned pensions forgotten by the Dream. Financial profit, no matter the cost in human terms and consequences, adds to the inner-torture that fuels Willy’s
He chooses suicide as a last recourse to fulfill his idea of financial security. Willy’s final lesson is not about earning $20,000 but defrauding the insurance company for his benefit. Despite his good intentions, Willy’s final act of desperation becomes an act of cowardice from a person unable to meet life’s challenges.

Originally, the American Dream promised equality and opportunity for society, but by the end of the play, only corruption and greed embody the Dream that Willy finds. Disposing of older workers without regard to the ethical casualties and making money the primary objective add sombre notes to the tragic final act.

By the end, the theme of Death of a Salesman explores the heartbreaking life of Willy Loman and exposes the failure of the American Dream through Willy’s struggle. Despite his good intentions, Willy escapes reality and lives his life through memories of the past. As he drives his car into traffic, the patriarch dashes down the streets convinced that success is still within his grasp. Willy’s life becomes a symbol of the fragmented American Dream that leaves only the ashes of tragedy for Willy and his family. As his final act concludes, Willy’s attempt to find the American Dream leaves his family in an empty world of sadness and a home without his