Unethical Dreams in Arthur Miller’s "Death of a Salesman" and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s "The Great Gasby"

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Living the American dream was a goal that most families were attempting to reach. Living the dream included simple things such as being true to your spouse, raising your family with love and earning an honest living. At points, this goal may have seemed out of reach and this is where the lies came in. The blatant disregard for honesty, eventually leading to destruction, can be seen in both literary works, Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gasby. Both novels touch upon similar themes regarding the instability and ignorance of the two main characters, Willy Loman and Jay Gatsby. The two find themselves living in fantasy worlds, Willy is still convinced that even at his age and stature he is capable of obtaining the American dream, where as Jay is very much in love with a woman just beyond his reach but still insists on creating a life for the two of them. Over excessive pride, adultery, and false material security are some of the issues that our protagonists are bothered with, all causing bitterness and disappointment. Relying on their imaginations instead of reality is something both Willy and Jay struggle with and is directly related to their ability of acquiring their unique versions of the American dream.

Willy Loman is a family man, who with his misleading representation seemed to have the perfect life. When looked at closer, faults are visible in his American dream because of many different reasons, but one being infidelity. Linda Loman, his loving wife was always there for him. She emotionally supported Willy when money was low and always offered an ear. Although it seems he tried his best to be a good father, he was not always a faithful husband. On his many business trips to Bo...

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...ausing bitterness and disappointment. Relying on their imaginations instead of reality is something both Willy and Jay struggle with and is directly related to their ability of acquiring their unique versions of the American dream. The blatant disregard for honesty leads the protagonist into a world filled with bitter disappointment and artificiality. Thus, as a result the protagonists are susceptible to destruction Dishonesty leading to disappointment and tragedy is apparent in both literary works, "Death of a Salesman," and "The Great Gatsby." Over excessive pride, adultery, and false material security are some of the issues that our protaganists are bothered with, all eventually leading to their demise. Through the works, it is shown, example by example, how dishonesty with family, friends, and most importantly yourself, is destructive to all those around you.

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