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Essay On The Pursuit Of Happyness

1634 Words7 Pages

As one experiences the unpredictability of personal and business relationships, it becomes increasingly difficult to feel content with oneself. In Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” Willy Loman demonstrates startling similarities to Chris Gardner in Gabriele Muccino’s “The Pursuit of Happyness.” The impact that their sons have on their decisions, the level of support from their significant others, and the men that offer them a pathway to happiness are all noteworthy relationships that reinforce the similarities between these protagonists.
The bond between a father and son is one of the strongest feelings known to man: a manifestation of masculinity that cannot be attained in any other form. Willy and his son Biff have that connection, …show more content…

Most often, it is coveting material things. Willy Loman is an enigma; a man who desires nothing but an accomplished life yet pushes potential happiness away. To illustrate, Willy’s longtime neighbour, Charley, has the perfect son, perfect job, and perfect personality. He even offers Willy fifty dollars a week to get by, and does not expect it to be paid back. In fact, when Willy is fired from his job and he visits Charley in his office, Charley tells him: “I offered you a job. You can make fifty dollars a week. And I won’t send you on the road” (p. 74). Here, Willy has the chance to make his family proud. He can stay close to them like he wants, and make enough money to pay off his insurance. Still, he does not accept the offer, though he has been fired that very day. All the same, Charley has an understanding of Willy like no other—he has seen the salesman at his low point, only barely getting by. At his funeral, Charley explains to Linda: “…You get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman has got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory” (p. 111). Charley’s generous advice and money ignites jealousy in Willy, as he always measures himself against this successful man. Certainly, Charley frustrates Willy to no end, conjuring a display of pride that one can easily see every time Willy rejects help, and the dejection that

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