Although in his sixties, he is still a traveling salesman bereft of any stable location or occupation, and clings only to his dreams and ideals. There is a strong core of resentment in Willy Loman's character and his actions assume a more glorious past than was actually the case. Willy sentimentalizes the neighborhood as it was years ago, and is nostalgic for his time working for Frank Wagner, especially because his former boss's son, Howard Wagner, fails to appreciate Willy. Miller presents Willy as a strong and boisterous man with great bravado but little energy to support his impression of vitality. He is perpetually weary and exhibits signs of dementia, contradicting himself and displaying some memory loss.
Biff has come home because he has just been released from jail, has no job and has nowhere to go.Why does willy get so angry at howard? Willy is so angry at howard because willy was once promised(by howards father) a position that willy now needs, however in the present howard is unwilling to offer willy such a position. Willy is also angry because howard fires willy.What is the point of Willy’s talking about Dave Singleman to Howard?Willy tells howard about dave singleman because dave was willy’s inspiration. Willy tells howard about dave to try and show howard that he can still to be useful in an office position despite his old age.Why does willy get so angry at Bernard?Willy gets so upset at Bernard because Bernard asks him about what happened in boston with biff. This makes willy feel guilty as he was caught by biff in boston having an affair, which resulted in biff not attending summer school and flunking school altogether.
Walter Lee is unhappy with his job, his salary, and feels like there is so much more he could do if only someone would give him a chance. He wants to be successful and live the American dream, but feels as though no one will believe in him. This also makes him feel alienated from his family, because they don’t even believe in him. He just wants to be taken seriously but nobody does. This also undermines his masculinity, because the rest of the adults in his family which are all women don’t take
In "Death of a salesman" by Arthur Miller, Willy Loman plays a character with characteristics that haunt people of modern America. His delusions fused with his superficial views of life is a concoction for the downfall of himself, and his sons Biff, and Happy. Willy Loman is delusional about how to be successful, and how to live a successful life. Willy displays his delusions in many ways, for example: personal attractiveness and charisma outweigh hard work and dedication. Bernard reveals to Willy that Biff is going to fail his class if he doesn't "Buckle down" and begin to study, to Bernard's astonishment and dismay, Willy responds by saying to Linda: "There’s nothing the matter with him!
As a result of his failure to make it to the baseball major leagues, Troy reflects his defeat on Cory, telling him he’ll never succeed because of the “white man”. In addition to his jealousy, another reason for Troy holding Cory back is he subconsciously does not want his son to surpassing his own life progress and accomplishments; this is unlike a usual Father who dreams of their child accomplishing more than themselves. Troy’s self-loathing also sabotages his seemingly satisfactory marriage. By cheating on Rose, Troy can escape his daily responsibilities and feelings of failure. He feels this way with his mistress, Alberta, because she does not know much of him or his past, unlike Rose.
* Willy’s contrasting statements on Biff ’s work ethic show how his hopes for Biff have been dashed, but also his capacity for self-delusion. He can’t accept that Biff has turned out to be something other than a great man of the world because he can’t let go of his American Dream of huge success for himself and his sons. * Willy’s car accidents, at this stage of the play, seem to point to his increasing age and physical fragility. As the play progresses, they will come to mean more. * The original American Dream involved proving and making a life for yourself by heading out into the wilds of nature, as Willy’s father and older brother Ben did, and as Willy himself sometimes wishes he did.
With “Fences” and “Death of a Salesman” there are a lot of differences and similarities with both plays. Both characters have their demons and they both have families and push their sons in a direction that they don’t want to follow. But here are the similarities and differences between Troy and Willie. Similarities 1. Troy and Willie have dreams about their fantasies 2.
In J.D. Salinger’s novel The Catcher in the Rye, the main character, Holden Caulfield, has difficulties coming to terms with his past, which in turn has a negative effect on all present situations. The tragedy of his brother’s death has left Holden empty. It is possible that Holden holds himself partially responsible for Allie’s death and now holds himself back from what his younger brother can no longer do such as mature, excel academically or form relationships. Because of past traumatic events, Holden forces himself into isolation out of his own fear and unknowing.
American Masculinity The film American Beauty follows the story of two suburban families in a crisis. Each character is struggling with their current identity and either embraces or rejects societies norms. Lester Burnham “rediscovers” his masculinity, while Colonel Frank Fitts struggles with his identity as an American man; both men embrace different elements of manhood sacred but reject anything that may emasculate them. In the film, each man fights to keep his version of American masculinity, At the beginning of the film Lester is unhappy with his life. He has failed as the figurehead of his family and is constantly emasculated by his wife and daughter.
Mellisa Fether English 1102Research Project The Trouble with Chasing the American Dream In Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman strives to obtain the American Dream, but in doing so ruins his sons lives and ends his own life. This is a story of the struggles of an average family during the Great Depression and capitalism was an important issue. Biff, Willy son, is unsure of the business world and expresses a view of anti-capitalism, but at the same time wants to make his father happy. Willy Loman is a traveling salesman and has been striving for the American Dream his whole life with the full support from his wife, Linda Loman. Linda is a devoted and loving wife that put Willy before everyone in their lives, including their two sons, Happy and Biff.