Death Of A Salesman Willy Loman

The play, Death of a Salesman written by Arthur Miller, depicts the downfall of a low ranking, unsuccessful salesman, Willy Loman. Willy’s pathological lying and huge ego portrays his life in a false reality that he believes he is living. Multiple characters throughout the play have interactions with Willy that express to the audience his true colors. In Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman is defined by his surrounding characters in the play. Ben is a symbol of success that Willy desperately yearns for himself and his sons, but he is the root of Willy’s immoral actions throughout the play. Willy did not have a father figure in his life after his father left him, leaving Ben to step up. However, he left just like their father. The audience finds …show more content…
Throughout the play, Biff repeatedly steals in order to try to build his way up to being successful. When Biff steals Bill Oliver’s fountain pen Willy responds, “You were doing a crossword puzzle and accidentally used his pen!” (112) Unlike a moral father figure, Willy fails to rebuke Biff to show him right from wrong. Instead, he influences Biff to lie about the incidents to avoid consequences. Biff represents Willy’s false and failed hope for the future throughout the play. When Willy receives his letters, he is eager awaiting his son’s arrival; However, when Biff arrives, Willy loses his excitement as reality hits him when Biff and him start to argue. Willy desires for Biff to triumph, but Biff would rather be employed out west where he could be in touch with nature by working with his hands. Willy believes Biff is spiting him throughout the play by his actions, but Biff is just trying to find …show more content…
However, he provides for Willy’s family and is in a position to offer Willy a do-nothing job to keep him bringing home a salary. Willy’s response is, “I’ve got a good job...” (43). The audience knows Willy has a job at this point in the play, but it is not a good one. Later in the play, Willy loses his job after being fired by Howard. Charley offers Willy a job once more, and Willy declines the offer again; Although, Willy does not have an occupation at this point. He puts his vanity before reality as he has no way to subsidize his family at his time. Willy’s reputation values more to him then his family’s well-being because of his idea that to be successful, you must be well-liked. Biff refers to Bernard by saying, “He is liked, but not well-liked,” (33). Willy’s recipe for achievement in life is based off a person’s personality. Most people are liked by their friends and acquaintances. However according to Willy, only great men are truly well-liked, which is the quality that brings them success. Willys decisive pride and big ego are expressed through his interactions and conversations with Charley and