The Theme of the American Dream in "Death of a Salesman" (Essay Sample)

Student's Name Professor's Name Course Date The Theme of the American Dream in "Death of a Salesman" Introduction The play "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller remains one of the most influential works in American literature that covers various themes. One of the main themes in this literary work that forms the basis of this paper is the American dream. Notably, the play is set in post-World War II American society, where the main character, Willy Loman, lives. Miller portrays Willy as a man determined to achieve his American Dream, shaping his life and family. This is evident in the statement, "I'm dreaming' again. I have such thoughts, I have such strange thoughts" (Miller, Act 1, p.1558). The American Dream drives the lives of many, including Willy Loman, who bases his life on material wealth and social status. However, the American Dream is characterized by disillusionment, which signifies the complexities and contradictions inherent in its ethos. This paper analyzes the American Dream as a theme in "Death of a Salesman" and its significance in the play. The American Dream is significant in "Death of a Salesman" because it shapes the characters' motivations, actions, and overall direction of the story, evidenced by its portrayal as a motivating force, illusions, and consequences of pursuing it. The Theme The selected theme drives the story's plot, and its role is more significant than other themes. Notably, this theme shapes the exposition (first part of the plot), rising action (second part), and climax (third part), which supports the argument that the American Dream influences the overall direction of the story. For instance, in the first part of the play, Miller introduces the American Dream as a motivating force that drives the actions of various characters, one of them being Willy Loman. Willy's sincere belief in the promise of upward mobility is evident in his assertion: "There is only one thing in this world you have, and that is what you can sell..." (Miller, Act 1, p.1558). This quotation is a testimony to Willy's perception that only one thing matters in life- the ability to sell- a reflection of the deeply entrenched values of capitalism and materialism that are part of the American Dream. The American Dream forms a core part of the rising action (second part of the plot) in "Death of a Salesman." This is evident in the author's portrayal of illusions about success surrounding the American Dream and its impacts on the family and societal dynamics. Willy's career aspirations are fueled by his desire for material wealth and social status, as he declares: "You wait, kid when it is all over, we might just end up getting a little place in the country, and I will raise some vegetables and maybe a couple of chickens. . . "(Miller, Act 2, p.1586). In this, the American Dream that Willy envisions includes owning a home in the suburbs, a symbol of success and stability after the war. This relentless pursuit of success is further exemplified by Willy's insistence on Biff's potential for greatness, as he asserts: "Biff Loman is lost. But he is still lost in the greatest country in the world "(Miller, Act 1, p.1559). Willy's obsession with Biff's success reflects his aspiration to see his son succeed in the American Dream. The climax of the story is based on the American Dream. This part starts from where Miller portrays the consequences of engaging in illegal activities to pursue the American Dream. These tragic consequences include mental health despair and familial conflicts. Willy's unstoppable thirst for success and the fact that the American Dream is all about going for the gold and having what it takes to reach the top is like the larger society's values and expectations that everyone should perform to succeed at any cost. As a result, the tale of Willy Loman's struggle can be seen as a reflection of the attraction and the destructive impact of the American Dream, marking the latter as a powerful motivator and shaper of the characters' lives and the plot of "Death of a Salesman." Willy Loman's desire for the American Dream eventually results in a painful sense of disenchantment and dissatisfaction as he comes to terms with the tough truths of his life. This disillusionment is evident in his lamentation: "I am not simply a penny-a-dozen! I am Willy Loman, and you are Biff Loman!" (Miller, Act 2, p.1617). Willy's disregard for the past and his materialistic orientation, which got him fired, symbolize his misguided belief in the American Dream traditions. Also, his broken family ties, especially with his son Biff, add to the realization and feeling of failure in pursuing the American Dream. This is evident in Biff's confession: "He had the wrong dreams" (Miller, Act 2, p.1629). Willy's defeat and dissatisfaction show that the American Dream is an illusion that promises success and prosperity but leaves one with despair and emptiness. This reinforces the thesis statement on the significance of the selected theme. Another point that supports the thesis statement is that the American Dream builds other themes, including family dynamics and relationships, illusion vs. reality, and identity and self-worth. Willy Loman's pursuit of the American Dream profoundly affects his relationships with his family. His obsession with success leads to strained interactions with his wife, Linda, and his sons, Biff and Happy. This shows that Miller used the American Dream as a central theme to build the concept of family dynamics in the play. Besides,...