Monday, May 25, 2009

The Death of a Salesman is a tragedy caused by a man's misinterpretation of the American Dream.
Willy, the main character, mistakenly believes that one can achieve the American Dream by being "well liked," and having character. He demonstrates this stubborn belief by not allowing his eldest son, Biff, to go to Summer school. He believes that Biff's football talent and likable personality is enough for him to achieve success. Pushing this belief on his son leads to Biff's failure in the business world as an adult.
Proof that Willy has the wrong idea about the American Dream lies in Bernard, Biff's high school classmate and next door neighbor. Bernard is smart in school and tries to convince Willy that being "well liked," isn't enough for Biff to pass math class. Willy was annoyed by Bernard, but he envies Bernard's success and resents his own stubbornness in the future.
The repeated mentioning that Biff failed math, shows readers that mistakes made during one's youth can effect the rest of his or her life. I think the author wishes to show his readers the importance of having good decision making skills because every action or choice a person makes will effect that person later.
The author also wants to clarify what the American Dream is about. The American dream is not: Being likable and having character will get you far. It's that a person with a disadvantaged background can achieve success through hard work, like Bernard.
In conclusion, The Death of a Salesman teaches important lessons about making wise decisions and how to achieve the American dream.

effectiveness of examples; logical organization

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