Death of a salesman
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Death of a Salesman as Commentary on "The American Dream"
Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman", is a tragic story of a family trying, with no success, to reach the "American Dream." The character that chases the "American Dream" is Willy, but he is so disillusioned by the pursuit he creates another reality where he is living that dream. What is the "American Dream"? Most people would agree that it consists of a successful job, owning your own home and having a happy family. The Loman's are far from these criteria.
Willy created a reality for himself where he "knocked 'em cold in Providence," and "slaughtered 'em in Boston. "Five hundred gross in Providence" becomes "roughly two hundred gross on the whole trip." He lies to his wife about the money because he is ashamed; when in fact the truth is Willy cannot sell anything. He was fired from his job and couldn't even tell his wife. He has no pride in what he does, although he masks these emotions...