The Flawed American Dream

In Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman’s pursuit of success is fundamentally wrong, rooted in an idealized version of the American Dream. Willy believes that personal charm and popularity are the key factors to success. His formula ultimately leads to his downfall and hurts his family, as his ideals clash with the harsh realities of life. Willy's formula for success can be summed up in his belief that one's success is ultimately determined by how "well-liked" they are. "The man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead," Willy states early in the play. Willy's belief that outside validation is important is shown in this sentence, and he consistently promotes this belief in his kids, Happy and Biff. Willy's constant trust in fragile success is especially seen when he talks with his son, Biff. For example, Willy rejects Biff's idea of working on a farm and advises him to go into business since it provides "respect" and the opportunity to gain popularity. He merely values money, success, and social acclaim, unable to comprehend Biff's desire for a simpler life. Their relationship is strained because of this dynamic since Biff eventually rejects Willy's formula for success. Biff's claim, "I am not a leader of men, Willy, and neither are you," perfectly conveys his rebellion. The sadness of Willy's failure to modify his definition of success and the resulting painful estrangement from his son is highlighted by Biff's rejection of Willy's ideals. Furthermore, Willy isolates himself from everyone around him due to his concern with appearances and reputation rather than true abilities and integrity. His deteriorating relationship with his wife, Linda, is among the most dramatic examples. Linda, Willy's foundation of support. She is always there for him, but there isn't much opportunity for real connection because Willy is obsessed with success and his need to be considered successful. The human cost of Willy's obsession is brought to light by Linda's statement, "Attention, attention must be finally paid to such a person." Willy is consumed by what he needs rather than appreciating the life he has, which ultimately causes him to give up everything, including his life, to fulfill his fantasy. Another person Willy looks up to as an example of success is his brother Ben, who "walked into the jungle and came out rich," not because of his hard work. The foundation of Willy's ideal of life is this simplistic, almost fanciful notion of success—getting rich with minimal work. Charley, Willy Loman's neighbor, represents a more realistic and grounded approach in contrast to Willy's mistaken formula for success. Rather than charm and popularity, Charley's strategy for success is based on internal personality, such as hard work, and practicality. Despite operating a profitable company, Charley does not brag about his achievements or gauge his value by superficial standards. Charley does not put Bernard under pressure to succeed in a particular way or to conform to a particular image, in contrast to Willy. Bernard is now free to follow his course and eventually succeeds as a lawyer. Bernard's success demonstrates the efficacy of Charley's formula and demonstrates that true achievement may be attained by self-discipline, genuine hard effort, and the absence of outside pressure. The play's message that success based on honesty and individual effort is far more rewarding and durable than pursuing illusory ideals is emphasized by Charley's and Bernard's achievements, which serve as a counterpoint to Willy's failing ambitions and defective morals. In the end, Willy’s formula for success drives him to a tragic fate. This final act is, in Willy’s mind, his ultimate act of love and sacrifice for his family, a final attempt to be the provider he always dreamed of being. However, his suicide underscores the futility of his beliefs and the emptiness of his definition of success. At his funeral, Biff reflects on Willy’s life, realizing that his father “had the wrong dreams. All, all wrong.” This moment reveals that his relentless pursuit of an unrealistic ideal led him further away from happiness and fulfillment. Reflecting on Willy’s story, I believe that success should be defined by personal fulfillment, integrity, and genuine relationships, rather than by wealth or status. My formula for success emphasizes internal satisfaction, setting realistic goals, and valuing authentic connections with others. Unlike Willy, who was driven by societal expectations and superficial achievements, I view success as a personal journey that aligns with one’s passions and values. Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of pursuing a hollow dream at the expense of one’s well-being and relationships, urging readers to redefine what it means to lead a truly successful life.