Death of a Salesmen - The Consequences of Denying Reality

Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman is a play about a family in which the patriarch, Willy Loman, struggles with the acceptance of reality. Image has always been very important to Willy - and he not only struggles to convince outsiders of his success and well-being, but he behaves this way within the walls of his family home as well.

When his wife asks him about his commission, he inflates the numbers to impress her; that is, until she begins to figure out their bills. Only then does he provide her with a more accurate figure of how much money he has. To his sons he has always impressed upon them how well he is liked among his clients. He teaches them (from the time that they are young boys who idolize him) that the only thing needed for success is to be well liked. Willy believes this is what gives a man "clout," as well as appearance. He comments that he is glad that both of his sons, Biff and Happy, are "Adonises." (21)

Aside from the importance of protecting the feelings toward him from his wife and sons, Willy struggles with outside concerns and pressures as well. His brother Charley - who he is certain to point out to his sons is liked, but not well liked-is a successful business owner (who in fact has been financing Willy since his company eliminated his salary for straight commission) and his son, Bernard, is an attorney who is going to argue a case in front of the Supreme Court. Willy has a conversation with Bernard, and Bernard doesn't disclose that information but shortly thereafter Charley does. Willy comments that Bernard didn't mention it, to which Charley replies, "He don't have to-he's gonna do it." (74)