preview

Doas Essay

Good Essays

Matthew Lopez
Mr. Blaisdell
AP Literature and Composition
27 February 2012
The Misconception of the American Dream Family relationships, in many literary works, are often essential to the entire plot; not only is there hardship and agony, but confrontation and conflict that arise in the family. The pressures brought upon growing up a particular way, in addition to succeeding are all a reflection based off the parents themselves, and there standards. In Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman,” the relationship between Willy and his sons, Biff and Happy Loman can be considered -- not “typical.” It is a relationship based on success and the persistence to lead a life, that in reality, cannot be lived. Willy and his relationship with his …show more content…

His fixation on being “well-liked” and having a “personal attractiveness” was thought to be enough to get a businessman far enough in the working world to achieve a modern American life. Willy, who has been persuaded that, “America is full of beautiful towns and fine, upstanding people. And they know me, boys, they know me up and down New England. The finest people. And when I bring you fellas up, there’ll be open sesame for all of us, ‘cause one thing boys: I have friends. I can park my car in any street in New England, and the cops protect it like their own” (1223). Willy’s misunderstanding of the American Dream revolves around his obsession to pursue this false lifestyle, With Dave Singleman’s influence, he cannot comprehend what is attainable and what is a false reality. The father-son relationship is full of hardship and struggle to build a successful man for the future. Willy Loman was a tragic hero that became trapped beyond his fantasy. The life Willy chose for not only himself, but for his sons was solely based on parental pressure, struggles within himself, and the American Dream.

Works Cited
Miller, Arthur. “Death of a Salesman.” Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. Ed. X.J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia. New York, NY: Pearson Longman, 2009. 1211-1280

Get Access