Julie Pham Craddock AP Literature 26-October-2014 Major Works Data Page Death of a Salesmanby Arthur Miller Theme: The American Dream "Why boys, when I was seventeen I walked into the jungle, and when I was twenty-one I walked out. And by God I was rich." Arthur Miller in saying this reveals a sense of dedication and hard work that Ben Loman had in order to become successful and achieve the American Dream. It is Ben’s accomplishments expressed in this quote that act as an inspiration for Willy to attempt to become more successful. However, Willy’s perception of the dream is much different, believing that being well liked can lead one to move upward. As Willy becomes more infatuated with his brother’s success, he becomes entrapped in a vision of success that relies heavily on wealth and materialistic items. He uses Ben’s success to force his outlook on the American Dream onto his sons, which only creates a bigger rift between them. Willy Loman is the embodiment of the illusions of the American Dream that can lead to one’s demise if used simultaneously with the desire to achieve greed. Characterization- Willy Loman An insecure, prideful, misguided traveling salesman
