Destruction of the American Dream in Death of a Salesman...

We may have different backgrounds, but we believe in the same dream that says this is a country where anything’s possible. No matter who you are. No matter where you come from.† -- President Obama, Commenting on the American Dream The American Dream is a set of ideals in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success. It is the belief that, no matter how poor you begin life, you can achieve upward social mobility for your family and children. Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, crushes the ethos of the American Dream. Miller’s ability to portray this delusional idea through the life and relationships of Willy Loman, a typical, low income American, is exquisite. America, in 1949, was experiencing an†¦show more content†¦Im the New England man. Im vital in New England†, and Never leave a job until your sixty,† and perfect quotes form Willy that show his insecurities, and that he is not the successful businessman he claims he is. Miller uses Willy to show that although the American dream is still alive, there are those who just do not make it. Willy will not face the truth though. Willy is a failure in life, but he feels even more so because of the fact that success in the American Dream is supposed to be available to anyone. This figure has significantly affected his family, especially his sons. He consistently blames the world throughout the play, such as blaming the teacher for flunking Biff, and causing his failure at getting a good paying job. He also goes on to blame Chevrolet for the carburetor tearing up, Bernard for not letting Biff cheat, and eventually realizes it was his entire fault all along. Once he realizes this, instead of facing the truth about his failure, he commits suicide. Many would say that this heart-breaking story of Willy’s life epitomizes â€Å"moral law†. Moral law is â€Å"the indestructible will of man to achieve his humanity (Tragedy and the Common Man).† Basically, it’s man drive to save his pride, or gain sort of power. There is no better example of a man struggling with moral law than Willy Loman. He not only struggles with the other characters, but with himself. His inner conflict is exaggerated in his multiple â€Å"flashbacks.†Show MoreRelated Destruction of the American Dream in Arthur Millers Death of A Salesman834 Words   |  4 PagesDestruction of the American Dream in Arthur Millers Death of A Salesman A white picket fence surrounds the tangible icons of the American Dreams in the middle 1900s: a mortgage, an automobile, a kitchen appliance paid for on the monthly - installment - plan, and a silver trophy representative of high school football triumph. 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