Arthur Miller and Authur Miller - Death of a Salesman: Text and Criticism

Willy Loman is the main character in Arthur Miller?s play, Death of a Salesman. Willy, a struggling salesman in his early 60?s, had recently been put back on straight commission. This character often confused illusions and reality. Willy lived in a world of false dreams and fantasy. He passed his false values and ideas to his sons, Biff and Happy.
Willy Loman raised his sons to believe they should do anything to be well liked. Mr. Loman was convinced only well liked people could be successful in the world. Willy also believed the boys must be physically attractive to get the attention of people around them. He even encouraged Biff to cheat on a math test so he would pass the class. Willy advised his sons their grades would be of little importance in the years ahead. He again stressed their success would be determined on how well liked they were by others. Mr. Loman?s sons thought their father was very popular and well liked. They wanted to be just like him.
The author also portrayed Willy Loman as a dishonest man. He often borrowed money from his friend Charley, but told his wife (Linda) and children it was his salary. He also lied about how much merchandise he sold on his trips to New England. Willy convinced his family he was very popular in New England and he had many permanent customers there. This character thought his family was unaware of his faults.
Willy spent his life trying to convince people, including himself, he was a well liked, popular salesman. He told people the story of Dave Singleman, a great salesman. When Dave died, many buyers and other salesmen came to his funeral. Willy Loman wanted people to believe he was as popular and successful as Dave Singleman. His family believed Willy would someday have a very large funeral too.


Willy Loman had an affair to convince himself he was popular. He wanted to believe he was the best salesman in Boston and women loved him. When Biff found out Willy was having an affair, he realized his father was a fake. Biff had presumed his father was the remarkable successful man Willy had presented. He could not understand why his father would take another lover. Biff lost respect for his father. He did not trust his father or his values.
Willy also had a difficult time facing reality about his son, Biff. He did not want to believe Biff ?stole his way out of his jobs.? Willy theorized Biff had not found an occupation to which he was suited. He was sure once he found a different position he would settle down and become a success. Biff explained to his father he wanted a job working outdoors in another state. Willy refused to listen to or understand Biff?s desires. Willy wanted to believe Biff was going to have another meeting with Oliver. He was certain Biff would get a new, successful job.
Miller?s Willie Loman was a very obsessive, complicated character. This lonely, frightened man didn?t seem to get much pleasure from life. He was too concerned about the thoughts of others. Willy had only fooled his family and himself. It must have been very difficult for him to fabricate the life he wished he could have. In the end, he is overcome with despair and takes his own life. Arthur Miller?s play disclosed the true Willie Loman.