Death of a Salesman
Dr. Vivone
English 3R, Period 8
June 6, 2012
Death of a Salesman In the play “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller, the main character Willy Loman was a man with high hopes and dreams for his children as well as himself. However, these dreams caused him many problems throughout his life that in the end drove him to his death. Willy never seemed to have much direction in his life. He never became that big salesman that he had considered himself to be. Many people including Biff believed that Willy had the “wrong dreams” all his life and that caused him to ruin the Loman family.
Willy desperately wanted to be successful, but has to deal with many setbacks in his life. He, like most others, has both positive and negative personality traits. The way Willy sees himself, as well as the way others see him changes between the beginning and the end of the play. At the beginning of the play, Willy sees himself as being successful and well-liked. This is partly because he is trying to maintain a successful image for the sake of his friends and family. "The man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates a personal interest, is the man who gets ahead. Be liked and you will never want."(Miller 22).Willy puts great emphasis on his theory that one is more successful if they are attractive and well-liked. According to him, he is well known. Willy could can sell things to many people there, even going as far as to stay that he is vital there. Willy is also very proud of the fact that he averages one hundred and seventy dollars in sales. When he looks at these accomplishments, he feels successful and well-liked. Willy did however, encourage his kids but at the same time he acted more as a friend to them rather than a father figure. He refused to take these jobs because during this day and age everyone wanted to live the "American Dream", which was to have a family who respected you, to be a well-liked salesman and to own a home and an automobile.
English 3R, Period 8
June 6, 2012
Death of a Salesman In the play “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller, the main character Willy Loman was a man with high hopes and dreams for his children as well as himself. However, these dreams caused him many problems throughout his life that in the end drove him to his death. Willy never seemed to have much direction in his life. He never became that big salesman that he had considered himself to be. Many people including Biff believed that Willy had the “wrong dreams” all his life and that caused him to ruin the Loman family.
Willy desperately wanted to be successful, but has to deal with many setbacks in his life. He, like most others, has both positive and negative personality traits. The way Willy sees himself, as well as the way others see him changes between the beginning and the end of the play. At the beginning of the play, Willy sees himself as being successful and well-liked. This is partly because he is trying to maintain a successful image for the sake of his friends and family. "The man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates a personal interest, is the man who gets ahead. Be liked and you will never want."(Miller 22).Willy puts great emphasis on his theory that one is more successful if they are attractive and well-liked. According to him, he is well known. Willy could can sell things to many people there, even going as far as to stay that he is vital there. Willy is also very proud of the fact that he averages one hundred and seventy dollars in sales. When he looks at these accomplishments, he feels successful and well-liked. Willy did however, encourage his kids but at the same time he acted more as a friend to them rather than a father figure. He refused to take these jobs because during this day and age everyone wanted to live the "American Dream", which was to have a family who respected you, to be a well-liked salesman and to own a home and an automobile.