Theme Of Betrayal In Death Of A Salesman

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Someone once said, “ Stab the body and it heals, but injure the heart and the wound lasts a lifetime” This statement implies that it's better to be hurt physically rather than getting hurt emotionally. Betrayal is an example of an emotional pain that can last a lifetime. In the play, Death of a Salesman, the theme of betrayal is depicted by the characters and through their actions. Willy’s skewed dreams are a result of his betrayal towards his family . Willy believes in the “ American Dream” in where people who strive to work hard and persevere will achieve success and prosperity. However Willy is so caught up in this dream that that he doesn't seem to realize that this dream isn't going to come true. This naive mindset of pursuing this intangible thing such as success doesn't only hurt himself, but also hurts the lives of his wife and sons. All Willy really wants in life is to become successful. He wants to have a name in his life. For instance, his brother Ben who was able achieve this incredible feat of obtaining great wealth through the Alaskan mines, obtained it so easily. Willy states , “ The man [Ben] knew what he wanted and went out and got it! Walked into a jungle, and comes out, the age of twenty-one, and he’s rich”( Miller 41). Willy also …show more content…

He doesn’t want this constant struggle of barely having enough to pay for insurance or other necessities. Most important of all, lying to Linda on how much he has earned by borrowing money from his neighbor Charley. “ What kind of job is without pay? Now look kid, enough is enough. I’m no genius but I know when I’m being insulted”(Miller 96). Willy cares about his reputation and how others people judge him by, but is afraid of admitting that he is a failure and needs help. He wants to succeed and prove to his sons that he is popular, that people all over the states knows him as a famous salesman. He wants to be accepted by his

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