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Death Of A Salesman: Willy Loman - A Man With A Dream

Death of A Salesman: Willy Loman - A Man With A Dream


A common idea presented in literature is the issue of the freedom of the
individual in opposition to the controlling pressures of society. Willy Loman,
the main character in Death of A Salesman by Arthur Miller, epitomizes this type
of person; one who looks to his peers and co-salesman as lesser individuals.
Not only was he competitive and overbearing, but Willy Loman sought after an
ideal that he could never become: the greatest salesman ever. Determined to
make money, Willy became uncontrollable and somewhat insane. Through his
dialogue and actions, Willy Loman portrays a character of insecurity,
persistence, and unknown identity.
From the very beginning of his life, Willy Loman experienced problems
with his popularity and personality. His last name is a pun on a "low man." He
is at the bottom of the business world as an unsuccessful salesman. In addition,
his theories on life and society prove to be very degrading, not to mention
influential to his mind set every day. Willy believes that being well-liked and
having a personal attractiveness, together, can bring success, money, and many
friends. Ironically, Willy does not have many friends and many people do not
like him. With a beauty unlike others, Willy thinks that doors will open and
problems will all disappear.
As a salesman, Willy developed many hindrances that caused his mind to
deteriorate. His life as a salesman was built on a dream that he witnessed as a
child. At an early age, Willy heard of a salesman, Dave Singleman, who could
make his living out of a hotel room. Singleman was very successful and when he
died, people from all over the country came to his funeral. It was this ideal
that Willy Loman sought after. All he ever wanted was fame, popularity, and a
few friends. Unfortunately, when Willy died, not a single person went to his
funeral. His life, one that was spent trying to become another person, namely
Dave Singleman,...