The great desire to achieve the ultimate American Dream has not just been a fad that comes back into style every couple of years; it has been an idea that has stimulated American Citizens for many centuries. According to Merriam- Webster’s Dictionary, the American Dream is defined as an American social ideal that stresses egalitarianism and especially material prosperity; the prosperity or life that is the realization of this ideal. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, the main characters Jay Gatsby and Willy Loman both yearn to possess what they believe is the ideal American Dream. Willy Loman knew what he wanted out of life but had no idea how to accomplish his goals; where as Jay Gatsby had
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Throughout the play Willy expresses, numerous times, that success is not based how smart you are, but how popular you are. For example, in Act 1, Biff’s cousin Bernard comes into the scene and heeds Willy that Biff is in danger of flunking math if he does not get his act together. When Linda gives her two cents, Willy completely disregards the fact that Biff might flunk math and says “There’s nothing the matter with him! You want him to be a worm like Bernard? He’s got spirit, personality… (Act 1). Willy is completely ignorant to the current academic issues that occupy Biff; and constantly puts emphasis on the importance of maintaining a good reputation, that he repetitively excuses Biff’s failure. The consistent theme of respect and reputation is present throughout the play. As the play presses on, Willy’s character is revealed more thoroughly; to the point where it is clear that popularity equals success. The irony of the whole situation is that Willy believes the opposite of reality; the natural and obvious facts that are presented. An example of Willy’s ironic judgement takes place when he brags to Happy that he is well- known, and tells him to “Go to Filene’s, go to the Hub, go to Slattery’s. Boston. Call out the name Willy Loman and see what happens! Big shot!” (Willy Loman, Arthur Miller). His egotistic perspective reveals his obtuseness to
Throughout the play Willy expresses, numerous times, that success is not based how smart you are, but how popular you are. For example, in Act 1, Biff’s cousin Bernard comes into the scene and heeds Willy that Biff is in danger of flunking math if he does not get his act together. When Linda gives her two cents, Willy completely disregards the fact that Biff might flunk math and says “There’s nothing the matter with him! You want him to be a worm like Bernard? He’s got spirit, personality… (Act 1). Willy is completely ignorant to the current academic issues that occupy Biff; and constantly puts emphasis on the importance of maintaining a good reputation, that he repetitively excuses Biff’s failure. The consistent theme of respect and reputation is present throughout the play. As the play presses on, Willy’s character is revealed more thoroughly; to the point where it is clear that popularity equals success. The irony of the whole situation is that Willy believes the opposite of reality; the natural and obvious facts that are presented. An example of Willy’s ironic judgement takes place when he brags to Happy that he is well- known, and tells him to “Go to Filene’s, go to the Hub, go to Slattery’s. Boston. Call out the name Willy Loman and see what happens! Big shot!” (Willy Loman, Arthur Miller). His egotistic perspective reveals his obtuseness to