The American Dream In Death Of A Salesman

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Claim: In his novel The Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller illustrates for the reader that the American Dream defined by obtaining money, reputation, and success is a misguided use of the concept. Society has changed the meaning of the American Dream to require underhanded methods and luck to be achieved. Dave Singleman, the salesman who Willy idolizes, symbolizes the abortive effort it is to seek material wealth and comfort. The salesman’s colleagues attend his funeral neither caring nor appreciating him. These funeral attendees only seek advancement in the company in his absence. Readers do not have to look very far to recognize the significance of the salesman’s name. The name Singleman is representative of how our society pits individuals against each other to attain personal advancement and leaves all parties isolated and single in their Furthermore, Willy is insulted and humiliated by his boss in a company that he has worked for the majority of his career. His boss easily makes decisions that supports his own family leaving nothing for Willy. Is Willy wrong to expect the management to help accommodate its workers? Even after giving up his youth to this company? Willy struggles his whole career in sales and never truly finds happiness in sales. “He’s a man way out there in the blue riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. And then you get yourself a couple spots on your hat and your finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream boy, it comes with the territory” (Act 2). He gets lost trying to follow the path blazed by Singleman, hoping he will be as well received and be as successful. He can not come to terms with the fact that his concept of being well liked and and being personal do not apply to him which creates an “earthquake” disrupting his self confidence. Willy chases this fictitious image of himself

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