Willy Lomans Illusions and Delusions in Arthur Millers...

Willy Lomans Illusions and Delusions in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman Charley says something in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman that sums up Willy’s whole life. He asks him, When the hell are you going to grow up† (Miller 97)? Willy spends his entire life in an illusion, seeing himself as a great man who is popular and successful. Willy exhibits many childlike qualities and his two sons Biff and Happy pattern their behavior after their father. Many of these qualities, such as idealism, stubbornness, and a false sense of self-importance in the world have a negative impact on Willy’s family, Willy is like an impetuous youngster with high ideals and high hopes. Children always have high hopes for their†¦show more content†¦Furthermore, Biff, along with Happy tries to conjure up a crazy idea of putting on a sporting goods exhibition. The problem with Willy is that he never grows up and deals with his obstacle; and he has taught this life strategy to his sons. Willy is also a very stubborn man. He is like a little child who wants to do something his way even though he knows that another option would be the wiser choice. Charley practically sets a potential job into Willy’s lap and Willy refuses it. Willy was just fired and needs a job. He then refuses one. Willy is too stubborn to let go of his old job (which he no longer has) and take a new one. He still believes that he is at the top of his profession. When Willy does not get his way he acts just as a child would. He has tantrums such as when he basically challenged Charley to a fight after Charley told him to grow up, â€Å"if you say that to me again I’ll rap you one† (Miller 97)! Biff is also stubborn like his father. He never gives up being a child. He steals and lies. Biff cannot handle being ignored, so he steals a pen. â€Å"I don’t know what came over me, Hap...I took his fountain pen† (Miller 104). Willy’s childlike stubbornness hampers him throughout his life. Willy thinks, as most children do, that he is more important than he actually is. At various times throughout the story, he brags about himself, calling himself a great salesman. He says that he is known everywhere. In daydreaming ofShow MoreRelatedDeath Of A Salesman By Arthur Miller1628 Words   |  7 PagesArthur Miller wrote the Pulitzer Prize winning play Death of a Salesman in 1949. The play inflated the myth of the American Dream of prosperity and recognition, that hard work and integrity brings, but the play compels the world to see the ugly truth that capitalism and the materialistic world distort honesty and moral ethics. The play is a guide toward contemporary themes foreseen of the twentieth century, which are veiled with greed, power, and betrayal. Miller’s influence with the play spreadRead MoreArthur Miller s Death Of A Salesman1326 Words   |  6 Pagesbetween past events and a character’s present actions and values. In Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, Willy is haunted by memories of his older brother, father, and salesman Dave Singleman. Willy’s character and values are constantly influenced by the memory of the three men, compounding upon his deliria throughout the play. Willy considers these men the epitome of success, thus explaining his dependency on all three. Miller’s view on society, men, and the success of the American Dream are portrayedRead MoreWho Suffers Most from Willys Delusions?842 Words   |  4 PagesThe main character in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman is Willy Loman. He is an old salesman who lives in world build up of illusions and memories. His life is based on dreams which never come true. Willy is trying to accomplish the American Dream, but in his dream accomplishment successes of his sons, Biff and Happy, do not exist. Lomans receipt for wealth is personal attractiveness and well likeness, unfortunately he never achieve these receipts. During his life he followsRead MoreDeath Of A Salesman Self Deception Essay1447 Words   |  6 Pagesrecognize the reality from illusions is significantly influenced by their understanding of themselves. Many choose to use self-perception to prevent themselves from the realization of living through self-deception. However, in Arthur Miller’s modern play, Death of a Salesman, Miller explores the relationship between self-deception and reality through the character development of Biff Loman. Initially, Biff’s perception of himself is tremendously influenced by his father, Willy Loman, who unknowinglyRead MoreThemes Of Death Of A Salesman1286 Words   |  6 PagesA Blanketed Illusion Death of a Salesman is a tragicomedy centered on the events that take place at the end of Willy Loman’s life. From the opening act, we learn that Willy and his family struggle to behave as a united front when they face financial pressures and strained familial bonds. This causes Willy to become desperate for success and validation. Death of a Salesman has commonly been interpreted as an analysis of the American dream. Within the ideal American society, citizens believe that theRead More Comparing the American Dream in Millers Death of a Salesman and Hansberrys A Raisin in the Sun3400 Words   |  14 PagesComparing the Destructive American Dream in Millers Death of a Salesman and Hansberrys A Raisin in the Sun America is a land of dreamers. From the time of the Spanish conquistadors coming in search of gold and everlasting youth, there has been a mystique about the land to which Amerigo Vespucci gave his name. To the Puritans who settled its northeast, it was to be the site of their â€Å"city upon a hill† (Winthrop 2). They gave their home the name New England, to signify their hope for a