One of the important themes in Death of a Salesman is the fallacy of the American Dream. We are made aware of this by the protagonist, Willy Lowman’s goals. Material prosperity, as well as popularity, are the only ideas that are of any importance to him, and he forces his family to adopt these same attitudes. The author, Arthur Miller, gives us an interesting critique on the American Dream. He asserts that the idea turns society into materialistic and egocentric population obsessed with the notion of being popular. This concept is exemplified through the characterization of Willy, his family, and his peers.
The largest critique Miller asserts is with the obsession with materialism. It becomes apparent that Willy's obsession with materialism stems from his relationship with his older brother, Ben. Ben is framed as the lucky one of the two men. Success seems to just fall into his lap. Willy then has the notion that one does not need to strive for greatness, greatness will just come to him. Ben became successful due to him deciding to take a risk. He "walked into the jungle, and comes out, the age of twenty-one, and he's rich." (Death of a Salesmen) This incident has made Ben's have the success that Willy has been craving and in turn, Willy has been regretful. He has an inability to realize it is because he still thinks that success will come organically and without any major change. Willy was to take the risk; he too would be successful. Willy acknowledges the flaw in his character subconsciously, as proven when he states: "He knew what he wanted and went out and got it," (Death of a Salesman) all the while idolizing his brother. Willy’s attitude toward his brother further shows Arthur Miller’s critique on the American dream.
Willy idolizes those who are shown to have his skewed idea success, specifically Dave Singleman. What set Singleman apart was the seemingly effortless way he progressed in their line of work, being a salesman...