Problems with Willy's American Dream
- too superficial
- does not realize the importance of hard work that goes along with being "well liked"
- puts unneeded and unnatural pressure on Biff to carry out Willy's unfulfilled dream
- leads to Willy's demise when he realizes the differences between his Dream and reality
Biff's American Dream
- pressures cause internal conflict
- Willy's materialistic and financial Dream, or Biff's natural inclinations?
- figures out who he is at the end of the play
- "I stopped in the middle of that building and I saw - the sky. I saw the things that I love in this world."
- "What am I doing in an office, making a contemptuous, begging fool of myself, when all I want is out there, waiting for me the minute I say I know who I am!"
- is immersed so much in the American Dream that Willy does not notice the tangible things around him, such as the love of his family
- Linda is able to see through his facade and loves him unconditionally, but Willy is unable to see that
- American Dream as portrayed in play can provide hope, but it can also turn a human being into a commodity whose sole value is financial worth
- sought by many, but it is nearly impossible to obtain
Ben's American Dream
- strikes it rich in African diamond mines
- start with nothing and end up with a fortune (luck)
- influences Willy's American Dream
- ignores the importance of hard work
- proves to be fatal
Willy's American Dream
- personality is key
- does not value hard work
- important to be well liked instead of respected
- instills this in his kids
- Happy seems most influenced by Willy's ideals
- never realizes his true potential - was good with his hands
- tried to go into a career that wasn't meant for him
- Biff realizes that Willy had the "wrong" dream
The American Dream in Death of a Salesman