The concept of the American dream has been widely interpreted by many people to mean the national values that guide America towards attaining prosperity (Adams, 23). One such literature work that has tried interpreting the American dream is Arthur Miller’s ‘Death of a Salesman’. In this play, the author puts his focus on the concept of the American dream. In one way or the other, the play exposed the weak points and the failures of blindly having faith in the American dream, as it leads to a tragedy. Although there is no doubt that the American national values are intended to castigate prosperity, there is a need for people to engage in practices to decode the message that was being passed through the American dream concept (Miller, 22). Depending on the approach that one may have, Miller’s play can be interpreted in various ways. The protagonist in the play, Willy Loman is portrayed as a business guru, who wins admiration of many. However, his zest, zeal and determination to succeed is brought to an end because all along, he has been a blind follower of the American dream. He has a wrong dream, which inevitably contributes to his epic downfall. In one way or the other, he is the perfect embodiment on how failure to put useful ideas in practice leads to downfall. Rather than dedicating himself to be a hardworking individual, he is contented that he is well-liked. He is the perfect reflection of the Americans and their lifestyles. In one way or the other, his downfall was as a result of having too high expectations in the American dream. Consequently, he allows himself to be led by misconceptions and errors in judgment. The result of this is that his downfall is inevitable. This paper analyzes the ‘Death of a Salesman’ in the context of the American dream.
Miller’s book explains the impact that the great depression and the Second World War had on the American families. The great depression, for instance, led to ‘the suicide of millionaire bankers and stockbrokers (Miller, 32)’. The depression also had a significant toll among the ordinary citizens, who lost their jobs, homes, lives and their savings in the banks. Willy is not spared either, and this reflects how his error in judgment proved to be consequential. The protagonist clearly had an opportunity to establish his career several years before the great depression and the Second World War. Instead, he waits until the 1940s, a time when the job market was unstable to build his business. This lack of wisdom and skills cause him to fail. This means that the protagonist cannot live up to his American dream as a successful businessman. Initially, he was determined to live the dream: ‘Willy Loman entered the world’s consciousness as the very image of the travelling salesman (Miller, 65)’. The turn of events proved to be crude.
Historically, the 1940s proved to be the most tempting moment for anybody who had faith in the American dream. Most Americans were disillusioned about this dream. This was just but an ideology in the people’s mindset. In particular, the great depression and the Second World War had proved to adversely affect the dream. Instead of being a catalyst for prosperity, the perception that the people created to the American dream drastically changed to the negative. In particular, the prolonged war ensured more and more people became vocal in pursuing the dream. The impact of this is that the expectations of the people rose to standards where they could not be controlled. In the death of the salesman, Ben (Willy’s brother) is the perfect example on who Willy wants to be. Ben depicts the achievements that Willy dreams of. ‘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 (Miller, 71)’. In this statement, Ben shows that the dream of everybody is to achieve success in their endeavors. This assertion by Ben is a true reflection of the hopes that Willy had in life. Willy had hoped that in a short span of time, he would achieve the American dream and become a rich person. He failed. At some point, he is left regretting why he had to settle for being a businessman. On his hand, Ben only provides him with empty promise and more dreams. This treatment from Ben makes Willy more disillusioned, giving up on any dream he had of becoming a rich person.
Willy’s downfall and his inability to realize his American dream can be attributed to several issues. Mainly, this can be attributed to his reluctance and subsequent failure to accept the offer that Ben gave him. In this case, his error in judgment ensures that he is contented to settle for less success as compared to big success. Rosenberg argues that this can be seen as ‘his need to preserve the dream, and not jeopardize it by too close a contact with reality. His rejection of Charley’s job offer, on the other hand, is as a result of a refusal to admit that he has failed (Rosenberg, 21).’ This statement is enough to explain how many people are misled by misconceptions, consequently failing. Over relying on a concept or an idea that is failing is a catalyst to failure. Because of his pride, Willy is not ready to accept his failures in order to try other approaches. Despite the fact that he had failed in his attempts to establish himself as a rich businessman, he turns down the opportunity given to him by Charley. He repeats his errors by emphasizing on what he did early. Because of the increased demands from the society, Willy’s obsession with the past made it impossible for him to live the present. Willy could not keep up with the demands of the society. Instead of concentrating and dedicating himself to hard-work in order to succeed, he put his emphasis on being well-liked.
Willy’s downfall is a true reflection on the day to day challenges that Americans undergo. Such a downfall is as a result of sticking and relying on certain negative principles that have been outdated. Instead of this, people should be advised to adopt fresh ideas, depending on the changes in the society. There is no doubt that Willy remained in the past, and sought to apply outdated concepts and skills in the present moment. Willy’s life and how events revolved around him is the perfect example of what Americans should not do (Miller, 76). As such, Americans ought to ensure that they pursues their dreams in the right way if they are to succeed. Failure to do this, and holding on to the past practices, is a recipe for failure.
A question then arises, what is the position of the American dream presently? Is it time that the citizens gave up on it and pursue different approaches? Sadly, this seems to be the case. Rosenberg argues that Arthur Miller’s Death of a salesman perfectly reflects the current struggles and suffering that people face in this era. Despite the fact that Americans had high hopes that America would be great, and that the quality of life would be improved, this has not been the case currently. ‘The failure of Willy is a reflection of how having a wrong dream leads many people to failure’ (Rosenberg, 25).
There is no doubt that all along, Willy’s perception on the American dream was a misconception. His approach was not based on the changing times, hence he reason he terribly failed. Two contrasting concepts arise when assessing Willy’s approach: being well-liked and being hardworking. Willy settles on being well-liked as the avenue through which he would succeed. Although fame and being well-liked is not necessarily a bad thing, over-reliance on them is likely to have a negative impact on the performance and realization of dreams. Willy’s interpretation of the American dream is that when a person is well-liked, they will be in a position to acquire wealth, boosting their well-being in the society (Miller, 54). A comparison between Willy and Ben is necessary in understanding the best approach to achieve the American dream. As a matter of fact, Ben is everything that Willy is not. Whereas Willy puts emphasis on being liked, Ben concentrates on hard-work. Of the two, Ben has a better chance of achieving the American dream, solely because of his hard-work. In the contemporary society, there is a need to ensure that citizens and Americans employ the right mechanisms in order to achieve their goals. Having misconceptions and relying on them is suicidal.
Frugality and industry are the key elements of success, as portrayed by Ben. In order to achieve this American dream, Franklin opines that there is no option other than working hard. Franklin goes a step high to espouse the role that morality plays in shaping the success of an individual in a business. A person needs to be of a good moral standing in the community if they intend to succeed and achieve their dreams (Miller, 101).
In addition to Arthur Miller’s death of a salesman, the ‘Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin’ explains the best ways through which people can achieve the American dream. Despite the fact that this autobiography was written a couple of decades ago, it addresses certain contemporary issues that ought to be addressed (Franklin, 34). The autobiography addresses how Franklin rose from a person from a humble beginning to become a prominent figure that was liked by all. Franklin attributes this success to one thing: hard work. He reiterates the role that hard work plays in ensuring that people achieve their dreams. In this aspect, Franklin’s approach is similar to the one used by Willy’s brother (Ben). In the autobiography, Franklin also recognizes the importance of other people in achieving their dreams. For instance, he pays tribute to his uncle whom he describes to being an ingenious. There is no doubt that to achieve one’s dream, they will have to ask for support from other people. This is where Willy went wrong. Even when it was apparent that his approach had failed, he was too rigid to take the support that Ben and Charley offered. He kept on doing things the wrong way, and the effect and results were irreversible (Miller, 66). Franklin, on his part, made use of the support from his lineage and the achievements of those before him. On his part, Willy was so much ashamed of the mistakes that his father had committed. Despite this being the case, he keeps on imitating his father. Willy’s son also picks up these traits. This is a dangerous trend because it had already failed. There was a need for them to learn from the society and pick the traits that were beneficial. This is the only way that they would achieve success in the society.
One major difference in the approaches employed by Franklin and those employed by Willy in the quest to achieve their American dreams is the attachment they have to their kinships. Franklin understands the importance of a family in motivating success. This can be explained by how deep Franklin was concerned when his son died. The same cannot be said about Willy. Willy did not value his family, hence the reason he turned down the offer from his brother to move to Alaska in order to better his life. The differences between Franklin and Willy are better portrayed in the achievements the two get. Because of hard-work, Franklin makes it from grass to grace (Franklin, 67). From nothing to something. This is exactly opposite about Willy. Because he concentrated on being liked and not working hard, Willy moved from grace to grass. From something to nothing. This comparison best explains the role that working hard in an attempt to realize the American dream.
The theme of the American dream is further examined in ‘The American’, by Henry James. In this book, the protagonist, Christopher Newman epitomizes the realization of the dream. Although Christopher comes from a humble background, his enthusiasm and hardwork spur him to unprecedented success (James, 32). Because of the stiff competition between businessmen in America, he decides to move to Europe, with the expectation that life will be more fulfilling as compared to America. Despite the fact that Christopher is materially sound, he finds difficulties in getting himself a wife. He is considered by many as being too commercial, hence unable to keep a wife happy. This shows the differences that exist on the contentment of people. In Europe and America, for instance, people attach different values to material well-being. Whereas in America Christopher was highly respected for his wealth, the same was not the case in Europe. In relation to the American dream, it is important to note that Christopher was born in a humble background. His wealth is a result of hard work and determination, hence the respect he commanded from all people. Christopher’s success has a lot of lessons that people should learn from in order to achieve their dreams. Taking opportunities and chances is one of such important lessons. There is no doubt that Christopher was ready and always willing to move out of his comfort zone to try life in other areas (James, 55). Despite having a lot of wealth and being highly respected in America, he opts to move to Europe in search of a new challenge. The interpretation of this is that for one to succeed in achieving their dreams, they ought to be prepared to change the way they do things. It is useless and unwise to continue doing things in a particular way and expect positive results, when that particular method has proved to be ineffective. Christopher’s move is not only inspirational, it explains the relevant recipes that an individual should have in order to realize their dreams. In the death of a salesman, this is exactly opposite. Willy is comfortable in his position as a salesman, he is not ready to travel to other areas to learn various ways through which to achieve his dreams. This is the epitome of lack of desire and hard work. In one way or the other, his downfall is a perfect lesson to people that seek to achieve the American dream without working hard. In one way or the other, Christopher can be likened to Franklin in the context of achieving the American dream. Both were born in humble backgrounds, and rose through the ranks, courtesy of their hard work. Willy is exactly the opposite. In order to achieve the American dream, as such, it would be prudent for one to learn from Franklin and Christopher. Hard work, in particular, should be emphasized as the only way through which to succeed in life (Franklin, 99).
Barbra Koppel’s film, ‘American Dream’ addresses some of the possible challenges that people may face in their attempt to achieve their dreams ("Watch "American Dream" Full Movie Online Free." N.d). After the workers strike, they are supposed to take a pay-cut. They object to this because they feel it is their right to be fully paid for their hard work. One element that helps them succeed is the unity they have. In order for one to achieve their goals, there is a need for them to work hand in hand with other people with similar interest. Being selfish and ignoring the importance that other people play is a challenge that leads to many people not realizing their dreams. Reference can be made to Willy, who was not ready to work with his brothers, subsequently failing. The documentary offers valuable lessons on how hard work and determination lead to people achieving their dreams.
The element of naturalism as pertains to the American dream is widespread throughout the already-analyzed texts. In one way or the other, naturalism tends to be associated to materialism. In the Death of a Salesman, the author perfectly outlines the differences between having an idea and implementing an idea. Willy was a talker. He had ideas, skills and all attributes to succeed. However, he lacked one thing: converting such ideas and skills into practice. This exactly opposed from what the other players who succeeded did. Christopher, for instance, is ready to grab opportunities abroad. He travels to Europe from America to see the opportunities he can take. The same is the case with Franklin, who despite being born in a humble background, works hard to achieve his dreams (Franklin, 104). Charley and Ben also have this trait, being aggressive in their attempts and efforts to succeed. In one way or the other, this aggressiveness helps them to achieve their dreams. It is therefore advisable that people should be hard working if they intend to achieve their dreams.
The element of realism is also well explained. This element ensures that issues and situations are presented in a manner that is accurate and that portrays the prevailing conditions. This element is very common in Arthur Miller’s work (Alger, 49). Realism entails understanding change in the surrounding, and adopting necessary mechanisms to gain from such changes. Willy, as a matter of fact, is stuck to past practices that have proved to be ineffective. His insistence to employ the past theories and mechanisms that had failed and expecting to succeed from them is regrettable. In contrast, Christopher reads the situation and makes informed decisions (James, 44). For instance, he understands that competition in America is high, hence opts to move to America. In order for one to achieve the American dream, they need to be realists.
In conclusion, the various sources have highlighted the challenges that people face in their attempts to achieve their dreams. Although the concept of the American dream was coined several decades ago, it has relevance in the modern day America. Many Americans hope that one day, life will be better. They dream of a day they will have better jobs and to drive better cars. Regardless, it is crucial that they note the important recipes of success. There is no shortcut to achieving one’s goals, a dreamer must work hard. They must be patient and dedicate themselves to achieve the dreams they have. The death of the salesman portrays different characters differently. Through Willy, the novel exposes all the attributes that a person should not have if they dream of achieving success. Lack of interpreting contemporary issues, for instance, means that opportunities are easily wasted. Yet the traits of Charley and Ben should be coped because they explain that perseverance and hard work leads to positive results. Americans should not give upon their American Dream.
Works Cited
Adams, James T. The Epic of America. Boston [Mass.: Little, Brown, and Co, 1931. Print.
Alger, Horatio. Ragged Dick, Or, Street Life in New York. Charlottesville: U of Virginia Library, 1996. Print.
Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1757. Auckland: Floating Press, 2009. Print.
James, Henry. The American. Champaign: Project Gutenberg, 1990. Print.
Miller, Arthur. Death of a Salesman: Certain Private Conversations in Two Acts and a Requiem. New York: Viking Press, 1949. Print.
Rosenberg, Emily S, and Eric Foner. Spreading the American Dream: American Economic and Cultural Expansion, 1890-1945. New York: Hill and Wang, 1982. Print.
"Watch "American Dream" Full Movie Online Free." Snagfilms. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2016.
