Willy Loman

Willy Loman is an old salesman who is essentially a failure in the business world, but he sees himself as very successful and is obsessed with that notion. Willy Loman had kind of a warped view on the American Dream, which caused more conflict in his family because he wanted the same thing for his children. Willy stressed the importance of popularity over the hard work and risk-taking over perseverance. On page thirty-one of the text Willy stated his popularity saying, “America is full of beautiful towns and fine, upstanding people. And they know me, boys, they know me up and down New England.” (Miller, 31)

The main flaw in Willy is that he refused to realize his personal failures, instead he reminisced on the old days when his brother was alive. He sees himself as successful, and “well-liked” when in reality he borrowed money from his friend Charley. Later, Charley offered Willy a job for him, but taking that job would make him confront the idea of not being successful. At one point early on in his life, he was successful, but eventually his success falls apart, which is why he remains stuck in his past life when he was successful.

Cora Tucker was not successful according to the perception of the American Dream today. However, she views herself as successful and Willy does not, but at one point he did. Cora had made a life for herself helping others, and by that way she achieved success and happiness even though the money she makes is very small.

Both are starting to live a life not for the money, but for what makes them happy. Even though Willy is not very happy with his success or income, he starts doing things that make him happy such as planting a garden. Cora makes herself feel successful and happy by helping those around her. In a way Willy was concerned for the success and happiness of those around him like Cora Tucker. He was constantly giving “advice” to his sons.