Linda Loman American Dream

In Arthur Miller’s play Death of a Salesman, the role of the American woman is vividly exemplified through the character, Linda Loman. Linda is the wife to the main character, Will Loman, and the mother to her two sons, Biff and Happy Loman. She is the heart and soul of the Loman household, providing foundation, support, and everlasting love. In the play, all the Loman men are disillusioned by the sought out American Dream. The husband and father, Willy Loman, becomes psychologically maniac and is trapped in the past. The oldest son, Biff Loman, is a thirty four year-old bum who can not seem to keep a job. The younger son, Happy Loman, exaggerates his job position and thrives on sexual gratification primarily from his boss’ wives and fiances.

She is responsible for the cooking, cleaning, and supporting and agreeing with her husband Willy no matter if she does not necessarily agree. Death of a Salesman focuses on Willy Loman’s dreams of being well-liked and successful. In his opinion, “be liked and you will never want” (1199). As Willy’s supporter, Linda never challenges or confronts Willy about his false dreams, but she seems to be more realistic. She believes Willy to be the “well-liked” salesman. When he complains of his difficulties making sales, Linda wishfully thinks “next week you will do better” (1194). When Willy seems to be on the verge of recognizing his mediocrity as a salesman, he tells Linda, “You know, the trouble is, Linda, people don’t seem to take to me.... I don’t know the reason for it, but they just pass me by. I’m not noticed....” (1194), but Linda encourages him by stating many of his positive traits. No matter what Willy says to Linda, she never strays from his side. She always has an excuse or a reason why Will is the way he is. At the beginning of the play, Willy returns home and tells Linda, “I suddenly couldn’t drive any more. The car kept going off onto the shoulder” (1183). Linda ignores the obvious reality of his problem and instead creates excuses suggesting “maybe it was the steering again… Maybe it’s your glasses… You’ll just have to take a