Comparing Dreams In Fences And Death Of A Salesman

A Common Theme: Dreams Throughout history, the story of achieving a dream has been depicted time and time again. A character’s yearning to be something has especially been a common theme portrayed throughout both literature and film. Although the actual dreams often vary between individuals, the hope of achieving them remains the same. Specifically, the desire of achieving dreams is illustrated throughout Arthur Miller’s play Death of a Salesman, August Wilson’s famous drama known as Fences and William Shakespeare’s magical tale titled A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In Arthur Miller’s play, Death of a Salesman, the main character, Willy Loman ultimately suffers when his extravagant dreams to be successful and free from financial debt control his every thought and lead to his mental decline. Within the play, Willy becomes mentally ill when he can no longer distinguish his outrageous desires from the realities of his own life. Willy’s idea of his American Dream develop from the idea that a well liked and attractive man in business will always acquire success. Willy’s two sons, Biff and Happy also

William Shakespeare creates a theme of a common dream within the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream as the main character’s dreams focus on the premise of love. If Egeus’ dreams were fulfilled than his daughter, Hermia, would marry Demetrius, the suitor that he has chosen for her, but Hermia dreams of marrying Lysander and his feelings are mutual. While Demetrius wishes to comply to Egeus and marry Hermia, Helena dreams of spending her life with Demetrius. The Duke, Theseus, and Hippolyta, the Queen of the Amazon, also wish to marry one another. Even the fairy world is incorporated in this theme. Oberon and Titania, the fairy king and queen, love each other and each dream of obtaining and loving a human boy found by Titania. Throughout the play, the prevalence of true love and the use of magic work to place the idea of love and dreams of love in perspective for the