Death of Salesman :: essays research papers

Willys opinion of Success is MisguidedWilly Loman, the main character in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman, is idealistic, stubborn and has a false sense of importance. He exhibits skewed perceptions of society that have a negative impact on him and his family. Willy deals that his philosophy of support is one that lead guarantee himself and his family a life of wealth and success. Willy cannot achieve this success because his perceptions and methods to obtain it ar wrong. Willy thinks that a erupt of a persons success is measured by how wellhead care and how many fri culminations an individual has. This is illustrated when Willy says Its who you know and the smile on your face ... and thats the wonder, the wonder of this country, that a man can end with diamonds here on the basis of be want (Miller 86). The context of this paraphrase makes it seem that this is applicable to anyone who believes Willys philosophy that being well liked is in direct proportion to success. W illy believes that it is the Loman family that is guaranteed success because they are well liked and have grand personalities. Willy believes that he will be more no-hit than his neighbor Charley because he has a better personality and is liked by others more hence Charley. Willy says, Bigger then Uncle Charley Because Charley is not-liked. Hes liked, and hes notwell liked (30). Willy and his family know that Charley is a good businessman and earns a good living. The Lomans will never believe he is successful because he lacks the ability to be well liked, which is the trace that is imperative for Willys definition of success. Willy equates success with being well liked, and by saying that Charley is liked, but not well liked is the same as saying Charley is successful, but not very successful. It is this belief that by being well liked, Willy has an advantage over all others. Willy tells his sons, Be liked and you will never want (33). This quote exhibits his philosophy of how success and being well-liked are one in the same. That by being well liked, doors of opportunities leading to great success will open.Willy feels that personality and presentation are the most big aspect of creating opportunity for yourself. Willy advocates that how one presents oneself is more important to success then doing ones job well and presenting oneself poorly.