Disillusionment In Willy

Pride is one of the seven deadly vices that we all must avoid committing. Unfortunately, Willy, the main character in Arthur Miller’s Death of Salesman, performs this sin and causes his world to turn upside-down. Miller thoroughly discusses pride as a theme throughout the book by emphasizing how detrimental pride can be in creating disillusionment. He comprehensively showcases the theme through his numerous examples of assertion and through the attitude of Willy.
From the beginning of the play, Miller utilizes assertion as a means to contrast the egotisticness of Willy with reality. After Willy arrived home late on the first night, Linda tried to convince him that he needed to have a stationary job in New York instead of his current job as

a road salesman. Willy responds to her comments by declaring, “they don’t need me in New York. I’m the New England man. I’m vital in New England” (Miller 4). His reply reveals his belief in his extensive self-worth and is evident in the usage of the word “vital.” In addition, after arguing with Biff about his success, Willy challenges him to “call out the name Willy Loman [in boston] and see what happens! Big shot!” (Miller 45). This reinforces the claim that he sees himself as accomplished as he exclaims that he’s famous throughout New England. However, even though Willy believes he’s great, he has no results to bolster his claims. His sales have been dismal and he’s now only living off of commission, not even full salary. His arrogant nature has therefore permitted him to create a fictitious image of himself- one that eventually lead to his downfall.
Another rhetorical device that Miller used to display the theme was through Willy’s attitude. This is best exemplified when Willy critiques Bernard’s characteristics and concludes that Bernard is “not well liked” (Miller 20). He proceeds with lecturing his children, stating that “[Biff and Happy] are going to be five times ahead of [Bernard] … because the man who makes an appearance … is the man who gets ahead” (Miller 21). By proclaiming this in such a supercilious manner, it’s apparent that Willy perceives his children will be more prosperous in the future than their neighbor on the basis that they have a better “appearance.” As a result, he’s instilling a delusive image to his kids that, regardless of grades or anything else, they’ll be better off than Bernard. Furthermore, Willy’s conceited attitude was also prevalent after Willy got fired and Charley had generously offered Willy an opportunity to work for him. Willy, however, responded by saying, “I can’t work for you … don’t ask me why” (Miller 76). His refusal of the job offer is a direct result of his haughty nature. Willy had conceived the idea that he was superior to Charley, and thus refused the offer to maintain his dignity
The play Death of a Salesman delivers striking insight as to how disillusionment is connected to pride. By applying assertion in the dialogue, Miller makes it clear how Willy’s vision of reality is clouded by his pride. With the theme being conveyed through the character’s attitude, the reader is better able to comprehend the extent of his ego and the extent to which it’s shaping his world. Although Death of a Salesman is a tiny book, it’s loaded with knowledge on the hazards of pride that everyone can learn from.