The Low Man and the American Dream

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how, in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman", the notion of dreams and aspirations is central to the play. More specifically, the paper looks at how, it is the perversion of the American dream that provides the hinge of the work and how Willy's supreme investment in and subsequent warping of the American dream ultimately destroys both himself and his family.

From the Paper:

"In "Act Two" Charley asks Willy "Why must everybody like you?" (p. 97). It is because, more than anything, Willy wishes to be personally successful. He ties this success to the idea of landscape and to the American ideal of the frontier. His job as traveling salesman who is constantly expanding is key: he is always "going west" in search of different land to conquer (i.e. sell to). This spreading out is indicative of his drive to earn more and more wealth, the main component of his view of success. Secondly, he is a salesman; his very job hinges on selling and consuming. In fact he is essentially selling himself every time and his finical survival depends on his ability to sell not just his product, but himself as a provider of that product. It is this absolute reliance on his own self ability that feeds in to the ideals of Willy's American Dream. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Adams, J.T. The Epic of America. As quoted by: The Library of Congress. "What is the American Dream?" (Nov. 24 2006). http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/ndlpedu/lessons/97/dream/thedream.html
• Miller, A. (1949). Death of a Salesman. New York: Penguin Books.

More papers on The Low Man and the American Dream:

• Analytical Essay # 130841 : "The Low Man and the American Dream"
• Book Review # 73864 : "Christ Imagery in "The Old Man and the Sea"
• Analytical Essay # 63384 : "Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman"

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