Chasing the American Dream: Willy Loman's Downfall

In Arthur Miller’s play, Death of A Salesman, Willy Loman strives to achieve the American Dream for him and his family. The American Dream is defined as the equal opportunity everyone in the United States has to succeed and live a fulfilling life. However to achieve the American Dream, one must be determined and persevere when faced with hardships. Failing while trying to achieve the American Dream is inevitable, but it is how one learns from their failures that matters. This is very difficult for Willy because throughout his whole life he has failed, but he is never able to come to terms with it. His obsession for the American Dream hurts him and his family. He believes that the American Dream should be obtained easily. Therefore, it does not come as a surprise when he gets fired from his job. Throughout the play, as Willy’s failures become more prevalent, he begins to lose himself and this eventually leads to his downfall. Willy just wants for his sons, mostly Biff, to become successful

He is always jealous of how Ben “walked into a jungle, and comes out, the age of twenty-one, and [becomes] rich!” His cousin’s success makes Willy believe his success should come easy. Ben becomes rich “at the age of twenty-one” which is far younger than Willy, including his two sons. However, this delusional belief that success comes easy is far from the case, and it is a reason why Willy is always blaming his appearance and other non-important things when he cannot make a sale. Again this shows how oblivious and helpless Willy is to his failure as a salesman. Willy’s pride, stubbornness, and him being so oblivious creates pity in the audience which is one of the main components in an Aristotelian tragedy. It also shows how Willy’s biggest problem is himself; this can provide catharsis for the audience by teaching them not to let themselves get in their own