American Dream in Death of a Salesman
...re, and the American dream made Willy its victim. Willy Loman is the first character to represent the American Dream. First, he has a strong belief of the American Dream because of his brother Ben: "Why boys, when I was seventeen I walked into the jungle, and when I was twenty-one I walked out. And by God I was rich." This quote by Ben is the basis of Willy’s beliefs for his family and himself. By this understanding, Willy thinks he will never need to search for anything and that it would come to him. Next, Willy instills this same belief within his sons: "Listen to this. This is your Uncle Ben, a great man! Tell my boys, Ben!" When Willy states this to Ben he wants his boys to have the same thought on life as himself. Though, like their father, the two sons are led to the idea that greatness will come to them. Finally, Willy does not ever understand this dream until the end of the play. "What-what’s the secret?" Willy asks Bernard this question which shows he is still searching for the key to the American Dream. At the end of the play, Willy believes that the only answer to the success of his family is through his death. Linda Loman is the next character to represent the American Dream. At first, Linda’s dream is for good family relationships. After the big plans are made for the sporting goods shop, Linda’s spirits seem very high. Everyone in her family is getting along, therefore she is happy. These little perks of happiness are enough to keep her dream alive. Then, Linda has a more true view on her family comments like, "Your such a boy," and, "One a philandering bum," are insights on what Linda sees within her sons. Knowing her boy’s potential is no longer existent, is what makes her far different than her husband. At last, Linda represents the realistic side of the family. As Linda is speaking of the last mortgage payment she states, "It’s an accomplishment." She has given a clue that little accomplishes such as these are enough to fulfill the dreams in her life. She has no high aspirations for being rich nor does she have it all. Linda is the one character that is content in what her family can or cannot accomplish. The Loman boys are the final representatives of the American Dream. First, the two men represent the failure in the search of the American Dream. When the two sons make statements like, "I’m thirty-four years old, I oughta be makin’ my future," and, "Pop, I’m nothing!" They know they have not accomplished the factor of being successful. The two do not have a clue on hard work of how to reach above their parents. When their father puts down such people as Bernard it is no question of why the two are mislead from success. In...