Date watched: 5/28/13 Richard Hoover bares very similar qualities to those of Willy Loman. Richard looks for and takes every opportunity he can to relate any situation to his work and the nine steps to becoming successful. However, much like Willy does to Biff, he gives Olive a false sense of hope saying that if she wants to win then she will undoubtedly win the contest. Willy gives Biff a false outlook on life that if you just go in to any situation with confidence and a positive demeanor he will as well undoubtedly have the advantage. However, even with all the advice they give out, they do not seem to follow it themselves. Willy talks highly of himself even though he comes to the realization that his image never really existed, or, if it did, did not last, yet he continues to tell Biff to think, believe, and ask the same way. Richard is a failure at his job. He is unsuccessful with his career and selling his nine steps but he is also unsuccessful at providing for his family and does not meet the expectations of the family provider which Willy strives for but as well, does not succeed in.

Date watched: 5/30/13 Dwayne compares life to a beauty pageant saying how it is “one beauty contest after another” and the scenes at the pageant really emphasize this idea. Michael Arndt stresses the concept that, through the media, society creates this image of the standard, acceptable man, woman, child, or family. This is primarily brought to focus when the Hoover’s first walk into the competition and attempt