The American Dream as It Relates to Death of a Salesman

The American Dream as it Relates to Death of a Salesman The theme of the American Dream is extremely prevalent in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman. It is so prevalent that there are literally hundreds of different to ways to analyze how the theme is used in the play. One interesting perspective is that the different characters in the play represent different versions of the American Dream. Biff represents the 19th century version of the American Dream, Happy represents the 20th century version, and Willy represents a combination of the two, and is torn between them. In the 19th Century the American Dream was symbolized by the ownership of rich farm land or the attaining of independent craftsmanship. Biff is representative of this†¦show more content†¦One instance of this is the excitable discussion of the sale of the sports goods idea, when he says with enthusiasm, I see great things for you kids (Miller, 861). There is again irony in this situation, as Willy, who was their biggest champion was also by the commission of his infidelity, one of the biggest causes of their failure. The infidelity also leads to his own failure as the collapse of his family life is caused by his association with another woman and Biffs becoming aware of the situation. In essence, this heralded the collapse of Willy and Biffs respective American Dreams. Willys separation between the two versions of the American Dream can be seen when he confronts his boss. Willys current boss is the son of his old boss who Willy believes has made certain assurances to him. When Willy attempts to change his position in the company based on these assurances, he is fired. As the changing of the guard within the company represents the transition of the American Dream from 19th Century to 20th Century, we can see that this 20th Century version of the dream has let Willy down (NovelGuide) Willy appears complex and the meeting of the two dreams in him can be seen by others as strange. We get the clearest insight into his character during a speech by Charley in the Requiem: Nobody dast blame this man. You dont understand: Willy was a salesman, there is no rock bottom to theShow MoreRelatedExamples Of Tragedy In Death Of A Salesman1199 Words   |  5 PagesAmerican Tragedy Aristotle defines what a tragedy is in his famed piece Poetics. In it, he sets guidelines that all tragedies should meet in order to become the fantastic displays of misery that they are meant to be. Six main elements are present in every tragedy: plot, character, thought, diction, melody, and spectacle. The two most important, of course, were plot and character. Both had to be complex but believable, consistent, and possess the ability to arouse pity and fear in the audience. AlthoughRead MoreA Detailed Analysis of Death of a Salesman1199 Words   |  5 PagesLook at Death of a Salesman Death of a Salesman has been accepted worldwide as one of the greatest American dramas to premier in theatre. The story behind the play is based on Miller’s interactions with his Uncle, a salesman whose efforts to obtain the â€Å"American Dream† and pass his success on to his two sons becomes his main focus. Miller’s life during the preparation of Death of a Salesman provides the spark and inspiration needed to pen a literary classic. Almost five decades later, Death of a Salesman’sRead MoreEssay about The American Dream in Death of a Salesman1371 Words   |  6 PagesArthur Miller’s ‘Death of a Salesman’ is an examination of American life and consumerism. It relates the story of a common man who portrays this lifestyle. 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Washington s Speech916 Words   |  4 PagesThe American Dream The Atlantic and Aspen Institute conducted a survey with Penn Schoen Berland to study how people viewed the American Dream in 2015. â€Å"72% said they are living the American Dream or expect to in their lifetime, 85% are happy with their lives overall, 72% are happy with their jobs, 86% are optimistic about the future, and 67% feel financially secure† (Feloni). One of the most memorable explanations of the American Dream was delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. for human equality