BigNerds.com - Free Research Papers, Essays and Term Papers for College Students

Death Of Salesman

Depict and explain the significance of illusions/delusions conflicting with reality in the lives of 3 characters in Death of a Salesman.

Thesis Statement

In Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman’s inability to distinguish between reality and illusion affects how he defines success in his life, judges his friend Charley and relates to his son, Biff.

Willy’s concept of success is the source of the greatest difference between reality and delusion.   In the beginning of the story, it is revealed that Willy has worked as a salesman for 34 years and at 63 years old has had his salary taken away and works only on commission.   Through a series of flashbacks between the past and the present or illusion and reality, we see how Willy views success and how his view conflicts with the real world.   Willy’s idea of success in the business world is based on appearance and personal attractiveness.   He believes that “the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead” (Miller 21).   In other words, success is all about being well-liked and creating a good impression.   Somehow, hard work does not seem to be a part of success.   Willy spends his entire life trying to show that one’s personality is all that is needed to get a person through life.   His life is built around these dreams.   Willy is clearly delusional when he describes how his personality has helped him be successful as a salesman.   In a flashback to the past, Willy talks to his sons about having coffee with the Mayor of Providence and about how well known and loved he is in New England.   If he were to take his sons there, all doors would open for them and they would be greeted with open arms, “…And when I bring you fellas up, there’ll be open sesame for all of us, cause one thing, boys:   I have friends.   I can park my car in any street in New England, and the cops protect it like their own” (Miller 19).   It is important for Willy’s sons to understand that “who you know” is what makes a person successful....

View Full Essay