Willy's Role In Death Of A Salesman

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Willy’s Imaginary Murderer
In Death of A Salesman by Arthur Miller, each character is set up to play a certain role in the development of the story and other characters. Although Ben Loman is a minor character, he plays a catalytic role in the development of Willy Loman. Willy constantly views Ben as a symbol of the success he never attained and as an outlet for his insecurities about being a parent. This out-of-reach source for inspiration ultimately drives Willy Loman towards his downfall.
As a figment of his imagination, Ben appears to Willy during his repeated flashbacks. His first appearance is after Willy returns from Boston and feels inadequate financially. Ben urges Willy to go to Alaska with him, telling him, “Opportunity is tremendous in Alaska, William. Surprised you’re not up there.” This unreasonable assertion that Ben should be in Alaska is taken as a reasonable one by Willy. Willy uses Ben as an example to solidify his dreams of success as sensible ones. Ben repeats the story of his own success …show more content…

One could argue that these notions brought about Willy’s demise. When Willy is attempting to come up with a plan to ensure Biff’s success, Ben is an important influence. After Willy explains his plan to kill himself, Ben says. “Let me think about it. I still have a little time. Remarkable proposition, but you’ve got to be sure you’re not making a fool of yourself.” Although at first Ben is at odds with the idea, he is quick to jump to the other side after Willy comes to the realization that his methods of success are “ringing up zero.” To the very end Willy uses Ben’s ideologies to justify his actions. Immediately preceding his suicide, Willy is ensured by Ben that suicide is “a perfect proposition all around,” and with the last imagined encouragement of his idol brother, Willy takes his

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