Willy Loman Monologue

For decades, Americans have sought after something called “the American dream.” When picturing the life of someone living the American dream, one typically pictures a hard working (middle or upper class) family. However, what happens when all that glitters is not gold? What happens when times change and businesses change? In Arthur Miller’s play entitled “Death of a Salesman” Willy Loman experiences just that. Willy would like nothing more than to hold onto a dead end job simply because of his desire to pursue the American dream. Nonetheless, times are changing and his job title has become mediocre. Furthermore, Willy is becoming elderly and facing dementia type symptoms. Within Willy Loman’s flashbacks (due to his dementia) the audience learns much about the character. Next, the audience gains an even better understanding of the main character during his monologue. Moreover, Willy’s flashbacks, monologue, and many other elements all show the theme

Within many of Mr. Lowman’s flashbacks, the audience gains a better understanding of why he is the way he is. The main character’s flashbacks show his desire for the way his life once was. Many of Willy’s dreams show either his son Biff’s last football game, his brother Ben Loman, or the affair he once had. The flashbacks depict these particular events simply because they were times in Willy Loman’s life where he was happy. Furthermore, it becomes apparent to the audience through the flashes, that Willy envied his older brother. Ben Lowman, Willy’s brother, had lived a much more lavish lifestyle and adventured throughout the world. On the other hand, Willy had only become a mediocre salesman. Next, one could either say Willy had flashbacks of his affair because it had made him happy, or because he regretted it. Either way, Willy’s trips back in time show the audience his lack of willingness to change and his mental health