Discerning Illusions From Reality In Arthur Miller's Death Of A Salesman
It is human nature to want to take the path of least resistance in life. When faced with complicated and unpleasant situations, it is much easier to spin a web of lies to avoid the harsh truth of reality. It is more desireable to accept the ideal way of thinking, of how things should be, rather than accepting how they actually are. However, when one is able to face the truth and accept the consequences, they become true to themselves and are able to handle the difficult situations they are faced with. In Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, the topic of discerning illusions from reality is a major theme. Biff and Happy Loman are taught false values their whole lives by their father, Willy, who is so focused on his unrealistic ideals that he is unable to admit the truth, even to himself. Using these distorted morals to guide his life, Biff realizes the consequences of the lies he’s lead his life by and chooses to grasp reality so that he can grow as an individual. When individuals are able to discard their illusions and face …show more content…
Biff Loman in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, lead his life using the false values and high expectations his father had for him. He lived pretending to be someone he was not and ended up losing himself. However, upon realizing the consequences of his deluded values, Biff decides to face the truth and be more honest with himself. In turn, he discovers himself again and has a better understanding of reality. Being able to accept the truth, no matter how unpleasant or humiliating, rather than leading a life of more pleasant illusions strengthens an individual 's identity and self worth. Honest with one’s self is significant because it enables an individual to cope with the truth and formulate realistic solutions to
Willy Loman Monologue
857 Words | 4 PagesAny son who loves his father will always tell the truth. I know this first hand from my excellent relationship with my son, Bernard. Despite his father’s willingness to deny the truth, Biff continues to explain that his life has not been what Willy thinks. Biff’s ability to be truthful to his father, no matter how long it took him to convince Willy, illustrated to me the undying love that exists within that
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966 Words | 4 PagesAs the old saying goes, not all heroes wear capes. This is especially true for Willy Loman in the Death of a Salesman. Death of a Salesman is a rather tragic tale depicting the fall of Willy Loman and, to some degree, the fall of his son Biff Loman. There are two ways in which one could interpret Death of a Salesman, with Willy as the protagonist, or with Biff as the protagonist. Either way, the story is not made a tragedy by its plot, but rather, it is made a tragedy by its characters.
Flaw In Arthur Miller's Death Of A Salesman
1082 Words | 5 PagesHAPPY: What the hell! WILLY: Tell me what happened! Biff [to Happy]: I can’t talk to him! Willy is only able to cope with the reality the Biff lays before him by escaping entirely into his delusions.
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1008 Words | 5 PagesWhile Linda enabled him, Willy could not help himself too keep ruining the good opportunities he had and turning them into some factious reality. At Willy`s funeral Biff comes to the realization that his father had all the wrong dreams and visions of success. Willy`s only dream was the fake “American Dream” that people believe will happen overnight. Willy`s failed attempts and happiness bonded into one and played a part into him creating this false reality and persona that he was the best salesman and that he was well loved by everyone around him.
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1800 Words | 8 PagesBiff wants to retake the class in the summer but when he catches his father having an affair his perception of his father, his biggest role model, is shattered causing him to give up on the things he used to want to do. Willy represses this memory entirely and tries to blame others for Biffs behavior instead of himself. Willy also fools himself into thinking he is well liked and successful. In small moments of clarity Willy admits that people have made fun of his physique and no one talks to him anymore when he goes
Compare And Contrast Willy And Biff
741 Words | 3 PagesHe refuses to see the concrete facts; he gets fired, has been a poor father figure and husband, and has had an unsuccessful career as a salesman. He not only fails to recognize the failure within him but the failure within his son. He never loses the grand, rich ambitions he has for his son despite the fact that Biff is a normal human
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Death Of A Salesman Character Analysis
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764 Words | 4 PagesDuring a monologue, a long speech by a character that is directed towards another character. Biff confesses to Happy that he is conflicted and confused about what he wants. He cannot hold a job until he finds some happiness working as farm laborer. This arises tension and conflict between Biff and Willy. So much that Linda convinces Biff to please Willy once again.
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