Denial of Willy Loman
Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” (1949) portrays a man that has devastatingly failed at life by skirting reality through his own denial of what works instead of the reality of what really works, to achieve success. Denial is known to be a psychological defense mechanism which can stem from a refusal to acknowledge the existence of reality or to avoid satisfying one’s own desires which only leads to a sense of loss and failure. Through out the story, it becomes evident through what he says, that Willy Loman’s denial to himself and others leads to his downfall. ... unreality that Miller shows through his protagonist, a dynamic and round character, is that denial of reality hinders success and growth for a healthy life. Through an analysis of the character, Willy Loman, of “Death of a Salesman” and in his allegiance to the company, his idealization that one should conform to capitalist pressures instead of being and individual making spiritual decisions, and in concern to his suicide attempts, the theme is developed. Willy Loman struggles with denial in allegiance to the company. Once a prime seller, Willy should have earned some respect and rightful status in the company. However, the denial comes in when Willy approaches Howard, his boss, to talk about placing him in New York because he is tired of traveling and living on straight commission.