Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman

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Title: “In Arthur Miller's Death Of A Salesman, the confrontation between Willy Loman and his son Biff is primarily an ideological one. Discuss the ways in which the two characters are revealed to the audience through this major and highly consequential conflict.” In Arthur Miller's Death Of A Salesman, considerable ideological differences are revealed between the two main characters, Willy Loman and his son Biff. Their conflict brings about major consequences that affect each one in a distinct way during the play. Willy Loman believes that a “personally attracted” man will fairly obtain all the material comforts provided by the American society. He expects his son to follow his steps and embrace this notion. He thinks that they are both working towards a similar goal in order to be successful. However, Willy has a misconception about the notion of the American Dream, in which hard work is a prerequisite to succeed and not just being well-liked. Also, he cannot understand his son's capacities and limitations, as he keeps pressing him to become a successful businessman by owing his own enterprise. On the other hand, unlike his father, Biff seeks the truth about himself. He acknowledges his failure while his father is unable to accept the miserable reality of his life. He does not have self-conscience and cannot admit that he is unsuccessful. Biff is trapped in Willy's commanding illusions and tries to fulfill his requirements even if he does not believe in the principle of the American Dream. The main cause of their conflict is Willy's state of mind about success. His self-centered character prevents him from realising that his son is a different, unique personage. Willy listens to his inner voices rather than the external ones because he is afraid to face his son's failure. He is scared of

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