Analysis of Willy Loman's struggle with reality English literature essay
Wade Bradford. Updated on. Death of a Salesman is a non-linear game. It interweaves the present of protagonist Willy Loman with his memories of a happier past. Because of Willy's weak mind, the old salesman sometimes does not know whether he lives in the realm of today or yesterday. This study examines the motivation behind Willy Loman's deviant behavior in Arthur Miller's Death of the Salesman. Despite his ambition to become a famous businessman, embodying American society's struggle to achieve the American Dream, Willy ultimately fails despite his steadfast ambitions. Illusion vs. Reality: The central conflict in 'Death of a Salesman' revolves around the dichotomy between illusion and reality. Willy Loman embodies the American Dream, driven by the belief that charisma and likability are enough to achieve success. He idolizes the idea of being “liked,” equating it with wealth and prosperity. Arthur Miller's iconic play Death of a Salesman is a moving exploration of tragedy, delving into the life and downfall of its central character, Willy Loman. This essay examines the elements of tragedy present in the play, highlighting the tragic flaws, the demise of the main character, and the underlying social critique that Miller puts forward..