The Failure of the American Dream in Death of a Salesman Essay Sample

In the play Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller illustrates the faults of the American Dream. Since America’s economy improved immensely after World War II, many Americans believed that following a formulaic path to success would automatically result in prosperity. Additionally, some Americans correlated materialism with happiness. Disproving these notions, Willy Loman, the protagonist of the play, exhibits that “materialism and personal happiness do not necessarily go hand in hand.” Willy believes that obtaining wealth will satisfy him. However, his desperate pursuit of prosperity eventually results in his death. Arthur Miller’s depiction of Willy Loman displays the illusions of the American Dream as it unrealistically measures success and provides the play’s characters with a false sense of hope.

Willy’s suicide and Biff’s epiphany in Act II demonstrate the American Dream’s imperfections. As a salesman, Willy’s success “rode on a smile and a shoeshine” (138). Consequently, once Willy’s work performance declined, his ability to attain the American Dream diminished, which resulted in his suicide. Unlike Willy, Biff realizes the true American dream depends on one’s happiness, not their wealth. Rather than working in business, Biff prefers to farm. Because of both their failures in the business industry, Biff understands that he and Willy “[are] a dime a dozen” (2.132) and not destined to achieve the American Dream. For example, Biff’s tendency to steal and his inability to maintain a job prevent him from prosperity. Consequently, he realizes only the most capable people can achieve the standard American Dream.

Miller uses Willy’s failure to achieve the American Dream to portray Willy as a tragic hero. In literature, tragic heroes often serve as protagonists with certain traits that prompt their downfall. Believing “the common man is as apt a subject for tragedy as kings” (“Tragedy and the Common Man”), Miller depicts Willy Loman as a tragic hero through his flaws. For example, Willy’s sense of pride often blinds him. Despite his inability to achieve the American Dream, Willy still believes he “is not a dime a dozen” (2.132). Accordingly, Willy’s dishonesty stems from his excessive pride. Willy lying about his paycheck to Linda illustrates this. Thus, Willy’s eventual downfall exhibits that “tragedy is the consequence of a man’s total compulsion to evaluate himself justly” (“Tragedy and the Common Man”).

Willy Loman displays the falsehoods of the American Dream through his inability to attain prosperity. Throughout his career, Willy generally fails to obtain wealth. Representing the lucky few Americans, Ben achieves the American Dream. However, he indicates that “a diamond is hard and rough to touch” (2.134). This exhibits that the American dream not only requires hard work, but it also involves precision. Like most common men, Willy fails to attain affluence. Therefore, Miller’s depiction of Willy demonstrates that the American Dream offers the common man with a false sense of hope.