Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman

Lost Dreams
A common idea used throughout literature is the issue of freedom of the individual in opposition to the controlling pressures of society. Willy Loman, the main character in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, epitomizes this type of person, one who looks to his peers and co-salesmen as lesser individuals. Not only is Willy competitive and overbearing he also seeks after an ideal that is not in his grasp; becoming the greatest salesman ever. Determined to make money, Willy becomes uncontrollable and in some ways insane. Throughout Willy’s life he portrays a character with an unknown identity and many insecurities.
Willy goes through life with many illusions in his head. His career as a salesman is built on a dream that he witnesses as a child. At an early age Willy hears of a salesman, Dave Singleman, who can make his living out of a hotel room and is very popular with many people. It is this ideal that Willy Loman seeks after; all he ever wants is fa...