Death of a Salesman

From the outset death of a salesman portrays the pitfalls of the American dream. The dream centred on the high chance that anyone can strike it rich in this Land of opportunity. Even in 1950s USA people were still taking a chance on this myth. Death of a Salesman shows the traps of the dream. The failures centred on poor Willy Loman This fine line between making it and become your average Joe becomes heavily apparent when Willy decides he has had enough and kills himself. Willy begins to believe that [In a thick American accent] “No man needs a little salary.” Willy perceives himself lower than everybody else partly due to his low wages. One of his great dreams would just be “forty dollars a week” but his new generation bosses decide even his 34 years of experience wont warrant him a proper salary.

Now if Willy Loman a salesman of 34 years cannot even command a low rate salary what is the profession coming to? The book marks the passing of time, where no longer men can simply become great being simple salesmen. They can no longer just roll up with a big smile and sell their good. Being known like Willy was just aint cutting it any more. Dave Singleman had pioneered the traditional salesman. One who could sell over the phone in any state? When Willy dies this breed of gentleman passes. Sadly, Willy never realises the coming news. As a ...

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Willy experiences the problems because of his debts. His perspective of his possessions goes down hill. His Chevy and then later he owns a studebaker which at one point he is full of praise for, when as soon as the car needs work doing he curses it and disowns it. He also dislikes his house. The house where he can no longer grow any grass in the yard or produce some vegetables. He also longs for a rural setting, which is linked, to his strong link to the American dreams of a house in the country. It is also ironic that in his time of need we find out that he now owns his house, the house that he despises and doesn’t need.

Willy’s spirits die when he finally discovers that no one gives him the respect he deserves. I think this could again be linked to the issue of the American world, judging people on their wealth. Yanks just aren’t going to give a poor salesman the respect the give to a highly paid executive. With all these issues Willy decides to call it a day. He decides he is more use to his sons and the world by killing himself and in effect cashing in his life insurance, so that when “ the mail comes he’ll be ahead of Bernard again” This statement indicates the love Willy has for his family as well as his jealousy of his more respected wealthy neighbours son.

In conclusion the book does confirm the death of the salesman, but its shows that love for ones family is ever stronger.