Willy in Death of a Salesman
In Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman,” Willy Loman emerges as a complex character driven by insecurity and dissatisfaction. As the protagonist, Willy’s struggles and flaws are meticulously depicted, making him one of the most poignant characters in American theater. His life, spoiled by unfulfilled dreams and constant craving for attention and approval, showcases the tragic dimensions of his existence.
Willy Loman’s Delusions and Dissatisfaction
Willy Loman is an insecure and dissatisfied individual, unsuccessful in his life and governed by his craving for attention and approval. Throughout the play, Willy is defined by the delusions of glory he experiences and the unrealistically high image he has of his own importance. His dissatisfaction with life is a result of his failure in his job as a salesman, his inability to meet the high standards he has set for himself, the failure of both his sons in establishing a settled life, and a constant flow of guilt from an extramarital affair.
The Weight of Past Glories and Present Realities
Willy Loman tends to dwell on past glories and sugar-coats the harsh realities of his life with his imaginations and fantasies. However, his troubles soon become too burdensome to handle, resulting in a breakdown of desperation, hallucinations, and even suicidal thoughts. Willy in “Death of a Salesman” frequently contradicts himself, reflecting his unstable mental state. For instance, he describes his Chevy as “the greatest car ever built” but later criticized Chevrolet’s manufacturing.
Contradictory Behavior and Temporal Confusion
Willy’s contradictory behavior extends to his relationships. He calls his son Biff a “lazy bum” but later praises him as anything but lazy. His inability to differentiate the past from the present leads to confused interactions, as he mixes current conversations with those from the past. This temporal confusion emphasizes his deteriorating mental health and profound dissatisfaction with life.
The American Dream and Willy’s Disillusionment
A major cause of Willy Loman’s dissatisfaction in life is his excessive faith in the American Dream. To Willy, the American Dream represents the ability to become prosperous by simple charisma and being “well-liked.” He believes that making an impression on people is the only way to achieve success. This misguided belief leads Willy to instill the same idea in his sons, Biff and Happy, from their childhood. Willy in Death of a Salesman is confident that Biff will do well in life merely because he is admired by his peers, “A star like that, magnificent, can never really fade away!”
Willy’s Need for Approval and Validation
Death of a Salesman Willy Loman’s need for social approval and his craving to be well-liked is manifested in his extramarital affair with a woman known only as “The Woman.” She fulfills Willy’s need for approval and tends to his fragile ego by complimenting him and telling him that she picks Willy, “Because you’re so sweet. And such a kidder.” Willy is flattered by her praise, and he uses it to validate himself and to feel appreciated. This relationship highlights Willy’s desperation for validation and his inability to find it within his family or career.
Idolizing Others and Having Hallucinations
Apart from being greatly insecure and jealous of his neighbor Charley who is a successful salesman, while Willy is forced to work with a company where he is no longer appreciated, he also often refers to his older brother Ben, idolizing him for his success in owning diamond mines in Africa.
One of the biggest regrets of Willy in Death of a Salesman is not going to Alaska with Ben, and he attributes his failure to this decision. However, Ben’s success is almost completely due to luck, which Willy fails to realize. In Death of a Salesman Willy’s hallucinations involve Ben, where he has elaborate conversations reflecting his suicidal tendencies. These hallucinations justify Willy’s belief that he is worth more dead than alive, ultimately leading to his tragic demise.
Insecurity and Jealousy
Willy Loman’s insecurity is further compounded by his jealousy of his neighbor Charley, who is a successful salesman. Willy is forced to work for a company where he is no longer appreciated, exacerbating his feelings of inadequacy. He confides in his wife, Linda, expressing his realization that people no longer take him seriously. He attributes his failure to make an impact on people to his appearance and way of dressing.
Despite his efforts to be a successful person in Death of a Salesman Willy Loman’s façade, contradictory behavior, and deep-seated insecurity ultimately overwhelm him. He perceives himself as a complete failure, a tragic figure caught in the relentless pursuit of an unattainable dream. Willy ‘Death of a Salesman’ is a poignant representation of the human condition, embodying the struggles and disillusionments that many face in the quest for success and validation. His story serves as a powerful critique of the American Dream and the societal pressures that drive individuals to their breaking points.
Thank you for the wonderful explanation of Willy’s character