Analyzing Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman

Willy Loman is an individual who cherishes and holds the American Dream close to his heart, hoping that one day, he and his sons will be able to possess and take advantage of this alluring pearl. He is certain that success can be attained through hard work, being attractive, and being well-liked. He dreams of one day acquiring a large sum of money but after many years invested in the salesman trade, Willy Loman still has an inferior job position, an empty house, and a conquered spirit. As a traveling salesman, he does not fabricate or invent his own products, has not mastered a specific skill, and works with his abstract aspirations as his sole impetus. Despite these hardships, he blindly pursues his beloved American Dream. Willy Loman also appears to be profoundly fond of American products, which epitomize his perception of the high quality and desired American Dream, yet he thwarts his own aspirations.

Many times throughout the enthralling play, Willy describes American-made products in the highest regards. During a scene with Linda in Act II, he speaks of their Hastings refrigerator and compares it with Charley's General Electric one. He expresses the idea that Charley's refrigerator, which is an American brand, is of high quality, while their foreign-made Hastings refrigerator is rubbish and operates defectively. Later on in the play when Linda asked of his opinion concerning the red Chevrolet, he replied, "Chevrolet, Linda, is the greatest car ever built." Willy's fondness of American products is directly related to his desire to obtain success and wealth. He deems that American goods are of high quality and reveal that an individual has copious amounts of wealth.

Conversely, Willy contradicts himself during another scene when he said, "They ought to prohibit the manufacture of that car." Willy not only opposes himself with his statements about the Chevy, but he also prefers Swiss cheese rather than American cheese. When his loving wife, Linda, changes the type of cheese in his sandwich from Swiss to American, Willy is infuriated. Perhaps his contradictions reflect and symbolize his failure to obtain the opulence and achievements that he desired. Moreover, prior to being fired by Howard, Willy encounters many luxurious America products such as the innovative wire recorder. These products seem exemplify Willy's inability to satisfy his desire for success and the American Dream. The items may also disprove Willy's perception that he and his sons were made for prosperity. In truth, the Lomans had little potential for success and affluence because they were blinded by false perceptions of themselves. The American Dream is attainable by all, but hard work alone will not suffice, as the right attitude must accompany it.

Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_a_Salesman