Death Of A Salesman American Dream Essay

It is quite ordinary for individuals of the American society to dream; humans continue to look for new things that bring them happiness, and that’s normal. Every individual is unique. values, interests and life experiences vary from person to person, shaping their idea of the American Dream. Although, due to societal influence and judgement, The American Dream is often perceived with false value in its attempt. Devoted to a life-long search for “success,” many ordinary, everyday individuals have ignorantly neglected their purpose in life. Articulated through The Award-Winning Play, “Death of a Salesman,” American Play Write, Arthur Miller brings recognition to the fact that a life without intellectual exploration is not a fulfilling life at

Arthur Miller was compelled, “to raise the consciousness of people to their human responsibilities” (ArtsEdge, The Kennedy Center). The Famous Miller did so by creating an anti-intellectual character named Willy Loman, who robs his sons, Biff and Happy, of their ability to find a life of fulfillment, due to his close minded and self-deluded ways. Through Willy Loman’s character, and the role he plays in his son’s lives, Miller illustrates to the world what a nightmare life would be if purpose and self-actualization did not exist, only false values of life in the attempt to reach “Success” on a foundation centered by materialistic prosperity and social status.

The true definition of success and what it entails has continuously been misconstrued by society’s hunger for money, and tangible wealth. In 1931, Historian and successful businessman, James Thurlow Adams, published the book, “The Epic of America.” Through his writing, he gave the world the first definition to the global belief of “The American Dream.” This Historian defined “The American Dream” as “… that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement”