Dean Conti
Ms. Aversa
English 11R
21 October, 2013 People that are proud create stories around their life to make themselves look like better people, more successful people, more intuitive people and a good person to look up to. This however is not the case when it comes to the play “Death of a Salesman” written by Arthur Miller. Willy Loman, a self-proclaimed legend of the business world. A man who was inspired to be a salesman based on seeing the success of others in the same occupation. Such as Dave Singlemen. Willy has spun himself a web of lies so big that Willy himself starts to believe it himself, which eventually leads to his downfall. Willy believes that he is successful. Willy signifies that “They don’t need me in New York. I’m the New England man. I’m vital in New England” (Miller 14). Additionally, “Because the man who makes an impression in the business world, the man who gets ahead. Be liked and you will never want… I never have to wait in line to see a buyer. “Willy Loman is here!” That’s all they have to know, and I go right through” Willy projects (Miller 133). Respectively, Howard highlights “Now willy, you never averaged $170 a week” (Miller 82). Willy`s false belief that he is “vital” is extremely important to him because it helps him attempt to validate to his family that the company would not survive without him. Willy has these false ideals that will lead to his downfall, and the fact that his kids are slowly learning that all of the teachings Willy implemented on them are wrong. Towards the end of the play Howard, who is Willy`s boss that is half his age is trying to let Willy know that he no longer has to work anymore which discredits Willy`s claim about his production for the company and why Willy should keep his job. Through all of these struggles Willy has kept finding ways to keep his true life from his family. Willy is constantly telling his kids that good grades do not really mean anything, once again stating false ideals. Willy Lectures, “That’s just what I mean, Bernard can get the best marks in school, y’understand, but when he gets out in the business world, y’understand, you are going to be five times ahead of him” (Miller 35). In addition, “When this game is over, Charley, you’ll be laughing out of the other side of your face. They’ll be calling him another Red Grange. Twenty-five thousand a year” Willy employs (Miller 68). Finally, Willy argues “I got a job, I told you that. What the hell are