On the other hand, Biff is compelled to seek the truth in himself and evolves away from the perceived ideals of his father. Happy is the embodiment of the superficial ideas of the American Dream. As for Happy’s name its known in this play to be ironic because his name literally means content and displaying positivity when in reality he is not happy at all. Happy and Willy both live under the false pretense of these ideas which ultimately leads them to an unhappy life and they both find refuge from their discontentment in women who appraise them for being successful businessman. This is because Happy still views the value of life similar to that of his father a life that focuses on the ideas of the American Dream such as being liked and being attractive. And still, goddammit, I’m lonely, “as much as he is successful he doesn’t feel fully accomplished. My own apartment, a car, and plenty of women. Happy who is apparently successful is uncertain about himself stating to Biff that ‘Sometimes I sit in my apartment – all alone. However, throughout the play, Arthur Miller magnifies the need to acknowledge that the American Dream is identified by hard work, not the superficial ideas of being well liked and that in order for an individual to attain virtue and happiness. Although Linda solemnly states that ‘we’re free,’ it is an ironic statement because even though Willy’s death freed his family physically in the sense that they are no longer bound to a mortgage, Willy was not able to achieve the freedom that he desired. Biff and Happy have been influenced their whole lives by the outlook of the American Dream and the values and beliefs. It started since Happy and Biff we’re children which they continue to be influenced. Throughout the play, Willy increasingly becomes more consumed with his identity and seeks refuge from this uncertainty through his sons.
From this we can configure how easy of a childhood Ben had in comparison to Willy who is constantly fighting to be better even as children Ben was seen as that favorite child which plays a crucial part in Willy’s personality and thoughts. This was the true start of Willy depression which eventually leads to his death. And there was a question in my mind as to whether selling had a future for me”. When I was a boy -eighteen, nineteen – I was already on the road. Willy didn’t take rejection lightly we can tell from the play how much Willy is begging even goes into his past trying to convince himself this is what he’s meant to do by saying “business is definitely business, but just listen for a minute. If I had a spot I’d slam you right in, but I just don’t have a single solitary spot”.
Which is why Willy has many insecurities like when Ben offered Willy a job after Howard doesn’t allow Willy to work with him, “I appreciate that, Willy, but there just is no spot here for you. Let’s be honest here of course you can be happy for family but Willy being the younger brother would look up to Ben wanting to be like him.
Willy would constantly compare himself to his brother Ben who has become successful. This is where Willy falls into his depression because Willy was very capable of achieving his goals although he felt he couldn’t because every time he attempted he would fail. When interpreting the American Dream I interpret it as being a privilege to be able to come into this country and having the power to do whatever you want. The American Dream is the ultimate Desire every man wants and uses it as a motivation and drive for the people of society. Willy dreamily imagines how beautiful it is in the West which indicate his desire to be the provider and to attain the freedom and success that he perceives the American Dream will give him. One of the key characteristics found in the beginning is the flute playing and its describing the images of the West by saying ‘telling of the grass, trees, and the horizon”.This is the start that hints to us The American Dream, which is Freedom, potential, and success, all of which correlate to the ideal landscape that the nineteenth century gave pride to. In many ways he can be seen as narcissistic Willy has a strong Desire to be the provider of the family he’s carries so much wait on his shoulders that it can be understood why he is the way he is. Physiologically speaking Willy is seen as narcissistic because of how he was brought up in his childhood, his defensive self esteem, his need to be well liked by everyone, and most importantly the need to be successful falls into line. American Dream in Death of a salesman has conveyed a deeper meaning of the American Dream by presenting Willy Lomans American dream to he be his ultimate goal in life in order to be liked and above all.