Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

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In Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman Willy Loman has an obsession with material wealth and popularity. These obsessions get in the way of him achieving true happiness in his life with his family .Willy was inspired by Dave Singleman , his dreams of being like him were also ruined because of his obsessions. Willy said to his wife Linda describing Dave“His name was Dave Singleman… and he’d drummed merchandise in thirty-one states. And old Dave, he’d go up to his room… −I’ll never forget−and pick up his phone and call the buyers, and without ever leaving his room, at the age of eighty-four, he made his living” In most scenarios people think that the more items they own the happier they will be in life, Willy quickly learns that is not the case at all. Willy wants his family and children to have as much as possible, as he thinks the more material things they have in their life that more people will like them and it will bring them happiness. “Never mind there is something I want you to have “This is what Willy said to his son after Biff was caught stealing a football; Instead of punishing him he gave him a punching bag for a gift. Whatever Willy could do or anything he could give his family to make them happy he would, but when Willy has reached an age that he can’t compete with the other traveling salesman his job was terminated. After being faced with the conflict of losing his job his life with his family starts to take a downfall. Without a job Willy cannot provide for the family and everything he says or does is a lie. He is very insecure about himself, lying to himself and his family makes him feel better. Willy tends to hide his anxiety with being cocky and arrogant. Instead of searching for another job he conti...

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...appy, and Linda but they came after himself. Willy Loman said he had one of the best vehicles; the vehicle came with a lot of problems that he could not afford without a job. After Willy hit rock bottom and could face the truth that he was unsuccessful, he decided to commit suicide. He drove his car into a tree to get life insurance to his family. In the end he provided his family with money, but he went about it like a coward. Willy Loman was an ok man with good intentions; he just let the idea of being wealthy with fame and fortune get to his head and could not handle the truth or accept defeat and do something about it.

Work cited

• http://www.shmoop.com/death-of-a-salesman/biff-loman-quotes.html

• The book

• http://www.shmoop.com/death-of-a-salesman/willy-loman-quotes.html

• https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/2722054-death-of-a-salesman

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