Beneficial or harmful the influence of dreams is present in everyone's lives. What does Arthur miller's Death of a Salesman convey about the influence of dreams on individual lives? The play reveals the extent to which a person's dreams can have on their lives. Willy Lowman's dreams were the cause of his downfall, bringing an end to his existence. The same dreams affected Will's son differently. The influence of dreams on a person's life can be beneficial, or detrimental.
In the play Willy Lowman's dream of becoming a salesman like Dave Singleman is self detrimental. Willy tries so hard to become something he is not. His goal of becoming a successful salesman as the American dream defines is unrealistic for the type man he is. When Willy is first introduced to the audience he is seen as exhausted, modestly unhappy, and tired, his failure to finish the drive out Portland is only the beginning life plunging into a downward spiral with dreams going down with it.
Actor Dustin Hoffman with Lee J. Cobb, who origina...
1st edition cover (Viking Press)
Death of a Salesman (1951 film)Willy is a man that likes to work with his hands, enjoys fixing up the house, and planting seeds. His dreams of selling are impractical, and out of reach for a man like him. When Willy realizes he is not bringing enough money back from his job to pay the bills, it is a reminder that he is not making it in the business and his dreams are slipping away from him. Willy visits his boss Howard to as for a raise and is refused, as well as insulted. "You didn't crack up again did you?" - Howard (P. 78) Willy is not a star salesman like inspiration, Dave Singleman. The older will get the farther he gets from his goals and the more miserable his life becomes. Willy Lowman's dream of becoming a...