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Death of a Salesman

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Happy Loman

Although Happy compliments the identity of Willy by sharing many of his ideological beliefs, is still the ‘neglected’ son. Arguably, Happy’s character is too similar to his fathers which is therefore justification as to why Biff is the favourite son, as Happy represents the same lack of potential to achieve the American Dream as his father. Happy’s character is suggestively a tragic outcast, as although he occuringly attempts to establish his position next to his brother, he nevertheless remains in his shadow. Although he makes questionable decisions and embodies the arrogance of his father, he is characterised by Miller as being somebody who the audience should nevertheless sympathise with due to the way he has been mistreated and neglected by his family. Suggestively, the American Dream represents to Happy the ability to establish an identity away from his brother, a dream to enable Biff to live in his shadow.

'The American Dream'

Willy believes that the definition of a successful life revolves around the principles of the American Dream which can only be achieved by the “well liked” and “personally attractive” men of society. In the play, we can see that Willy acquires none of these characteristics, however, he tries to install such qualities into his eldest son. Willy is a character who ironically demands respect but seems unwilling to earn it, an idea which is apparent multiple times but particularly in his exchange with Howard. Arguably, Willy’s inaccurate perspective of the American Dream enables both his hubris and his hamartia, as he disvalues the concept. The American Dream is understood as being identified in the hard working and those who do not complain about their lack of success. Willy’s interpretation of likeability is suggestively corrupted as although he values the characteristic, he nevertheless does not understand its definition. Willy childishly dislikes Bernard whom he considers to be a “nerd”, however ironically, it is Bernard who achieves the American Dream as a lawyer as a result of such academic success. Willy’s inability to understand and appreciate hard work only characterises his identity as being blind and to some extent naive.

Quotes relating to the American Dream

“We are aware of towering, angular shapes behind it, surrounding it on all sides. Only the blue light of the sky falls upon the house and forestage; the surrounding area shows an angry glow of orange.” “What’s the mystery? The man knew what he wanted and went out and got it! Walked into a jungle, and comes out, at the age of twenty-one, and he’s rich! The world is an oyster, but you don’t crack it open on a mattress!” “I’m gonna show you and everybody else that Willy Loman did not die in vain. He had a good dream. It’s the only dream to have—to come out number-one man. He fought it out here, and this where I’m gonna win it for him.”

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Summary initial thoughts of whether Willy Loman's character after finishing Death of a Salesman for the first time

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An initial analysis of Willy Loman based solely of my opinion of his character following my finishing of the play for the first time.

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