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Death Of A Salesman American Dream

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The Illusion of the American Dream in Death of a Salesman The American Dream has been regarded as a symbol of hope and opportunity, promising individuals the chance to achieve success, happiness, and prosperity through hard work and determination. However, Arthur Miller's play Death of a Salesman challenges this idealized vision by presenting a grim and disheartening portrayal of the American Dream and. Through the character of Willy Loman and the experiences of those around him, Miller exposes the dark side of the dream, demonstrating its destructive nature. Willy Loman, the protagonist of the play, is consumed by the idea of the American Dream. He has spent his entire life as a salesman, tirelessly chasing the promise of financial success …show more content…

One piece of evidence that highlights the destructive nature of Willy's illusions is his strained relationship with his sons, Biff and Happy. Willy places immense pressure on them to embody the ideals of success he has constructed, projecting his own unfulfilled dreams onto their lives. This creates a toxic dynamic, causing a profound sense of disillusionment and resentment within the family. Biff, in particular, is deeply affected by his father's false ideals, leading to a personal crisis and a loss of direction in his own life. Biff struggles to reconcile his father's expectations with his own desires, leading to a profound disillusionment that shatters their relationship. "Will you let me go, for Christ's sake? Will you take that phony dream and burn it before something happens?" (Miller, Act II). This quote, spoken by Biff to Willy, highlights the strained relationship between them and the destructive nature of Willy's illusions. This disillusionment highlights the negative consequences of blindly chasing the American Dream. Biff expresses his frustration and desperation, urging Willy to let go of his false dream and face reality. It emphasizes the pressure that Willy places on his sons to conform to his ideals, causing resentment and a profound sense of disillusionment within their family

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