Reality and Illusion in Death of a Salesman :: Arthur Millers play Death of a Salesman

Reality and Illusion in close of a SalesmanIn Arthur Millers play, Death of a Salesman, the major theme as well as the main source of conflict is Willys inability to bed between reality and incantation. Willy has created a fantasy macrocosm for himself and his family, a world in which he and his sons are great men who have what it takes to slang it in the context of business and free enterprise. In reality, n unrivaled of them dope achieve greatness until they confront and deal with this illusion. Willys most prominent illusion is that success is dependant upon popularity and personal attractiveness. Willy builds his entire life around this musical theme and teaches it to his children. When Willy was young, he had met a man named Dave Singleman who was so well-liked that he was able to exploit a living simply by staying in his hotel room and telephoning buyers. When Dave Singleman died, buyers and salesmen from both over the country came to his funeral. This is what Willy h as been trying to emulate his entire life. Willys need to sprightliness well-liked is so strong that he often makes up lies about his popularity and success. At times, Willy even believes these lies himself. At one point in the play, Willy tells his family of how well-liked he is in all of his towns and how vital he is to New England. Later, however, he tells Linda that no one remembers him and that the people laugh at him behind his back. As this demonstrates, Willys need to tonicity well-liked also causes him to become intensely paranoid. When his son, Biff, for example, is trying to explain why he cannot become successful, Willy believes that Biff is just trying to spite him. Unfortunately, Willy never realizes that his set are flawed. As Biff points out at the end of the play, he had the wrong dreams. In many ways Biff is similar to his father. In the beginning of the play we see that Biff shares many of the same ideas as Willy. He values being well-liked above everything els e and sees little value in being smart or honest. One of Biffs main flaws is his tendency to steal. proto(prenominal) in the play we learn that he has stolen a football from the school locker. When Willy finds out about this, instead of disciplining Biff, he says that the coach will in all likelihood congratulate him on his initiative.