Death of a Salesman: The American Dream Most people believe that they’re living the American dream. The American Dream is the belief that no matter where you’re from or what class you were born into, everybody has an equal opportunity to be successful through determination, hard work and initiative. In Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman, A hard working salesman, has his own vision on the American Dream. He believes that you have to be highly liked and very wealthy to become successful. Although that is not true, Willy lies to himself and to his family to try and become people they’re not. Willy’s obsession with material wealth and popularity prevent him from achieving true happiness in his life. Willy Loman strives to believe in his own…show more content… Even his own son Biff eventually gave up on him. During an argument after Willy and his son’s went to dinner and the boys ditched him, Biff said, “Will you let me go for Christ’s sake? Will you take that phony dream and burn it before something happens?” (Miller 133) Biff finally figured out that Willy has been lying to the family and making them believe in his little lies. Biff figured out that he was never what Willy intended him to be. Biff says, “I am not a leader of men, Willy, and neither are you. You were never anything but hard- working drummer who landed in the ash can like all the rest of them! I’m one dollar an hour, illy! I tried seven states and couldn’t raise it. A buck an hour! Do you gather my meaning? I’m not bringing home any prizes anymore, and you’re going to stop waiting for me to bring them home!” (Miller 132) Biff became aggravated with Willy because Willy expected him to become somebody who he was not and for so long Willy made Biff believe that he was somebody who never existed. Willy wanted to see Biff as being a well-liked and wealthy man, but Biff doesn’t meet Willy’s expectations. Willy’s obsession with his version of the American Dream became out of hand and he knew that he had to do something about…show more content… “Willy’s tragedy cannot be the outcome of his false dreams only; there are other points to consider” (Source 2). Linda realized Willy’s problem before he did. She knew why he was lying to her, but she didn’t want to hurt him by saying anything. Linda never questioned Willy about what he was doing or what his objectives were. She was the one who found the rubber hose that connected to the gas chamber, but she didn’t want him to know that she knew what his intentions were. Linda just tried to be a good wife and tried to protect and be there for him when he was in need of
