Willy Loman

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Recommended: Symbolism in Death of a salesman

A Death of a Salesman In Death of a Salesman (1949) by Arthur Miller a theme throughout the play is Willy’s inability to be successful that causes him to suffer from psychosis. Miller depicts this theme through Willy who is very delusional as well as how Willy has several flashbacks.Willy Loman shows how his illusions make him a failure because he believes he is still a valuable salesman. Willy Loman believes that he is a good husband but reality he is not. Lastly another example is how Willy believes he has been a good father. Arthur Miller causes Willy to be delusional from reality. For example Willy idolizes his brother Ben because he is the man who he wants to become. Willy is not a good husband because he has an affair with a woman that …show more content…

Arthur Miller illustrates how Willy is not satisfied with traveling miles for his job as well as he wants a raise.Therefore Willy goes to see Howard so that he can get a raise also possibly change his location from New York. Willy sits down to talk to Howard which leads to Willy reminiscing about the time he had a good year “..,in 1928 I had a big year. I averaged a hundred and seventy dollars a week in commissions” (Willy 62). Arthur Miller shows in this scene how Willy starts talking about his accomplishments for the company. This shows that Willy assumes that he could still average the same amount of numbers like his young days. In reality Willy is much more older which is why he is less valuable because there is nothing unique about him. Thematically this shows that Willy is incapable of facing reality instead he resorts to his past to make him feel that he is still a good …show more content…

Biff along with Happy invite Willy to dinner with some lady friends during this scene Willy decides to use the restroom. In the restroom Willy starts having a flashback about the time he had an affair with another woman. Miller in this scene reveals how this woman he is having an affair makes Willy feel young again in addition she gives him confidence that makes him feel like a great salesman. Miller depicts in this scene how Willy tries to hide from the truth that he cheated on Linda. Willy's affair is a let-down because his sons along with his wife have devoted their lives towards him. This reveals that Willy is not happy with his reality which is why he resorts to flashback from the past. Arthur Miller uses Ben as a role model for Willy. Willy idolizes Ben because Ben is his own boss which Willy wants to be, Throughout the play Arthur Miller demonstrates how Willy believes that Ben is always right, In reality Willy is so delusional that he fails to realize that not everyone is fortunate to find diamonds and become rich. Miller shows that Ben is Willy's guidance but Willy does not understand that it takes more to become successful. Reality is not as great as it seems being a salesman has not gotten the lifestyle he wants to attain.Ben is someone who symbolizes his hopes as well as

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