Death Of A Salesman American Dream Analysis

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The radio blairs the MKTO song “American Dream”. The refrain contains one line, “So tell me whatever happened to the American Dream?”, that really causes you to wonder. In Death of a Salesman (Miller & Weales 1996) the main character Willy Loman meets his demise because of what he feels is the American Dream. Casting Crowns produced a song in 2003 called The American Dream that closely describes the American Dream of Willy Loman. (2009) I think the American Dream has changed from it’s traditionally held definition. The American Dream has changed from the traditional view of success to an individual view. According to the American Heritage dictionary the traditional American Dream is a hope whose symbol is represented by owning …show more content…

An American Christian rock band, named Casting Crowns, released a song in 2003 called “American Dream”. In the song a man spends his life working so his family can have better things. The man is after the traditional American Dream. He doesn’t have time for his family or to enjoy what he is working for. His American Dream became a nightmare.” (Bitoun 2014) While the traditional dream is still pursued by many, there are still many who take a different view on the dream. While there are still people who work long hours to buy expensive cars and homes, there are others who are evaluating their lives and seeking a different American Dream. As people begin to question the traditional American Dream (2014) we find that more and more people are changing it’s definition, and it is becoming more individual based. (Mabrey 2011) In death of a Salesman Biff realizes he is successful doing what he enjoys. Just like Biff many Americans are less concerned with how much money they make and more concerned with having a happy and simple life. Suze Orman spoke of the American Dream as an old dream that has died and been replaced by family and personal responsibility. (Orman 2012). No longer or should Americans pursue material goals that will only cheat them out of their happiness while they are young enough to enjoy it. Instead they should focus on living within their means and meeting their basic needs. Their new dream focus will allow them to spend more time enjoying their family and the beauty around

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