Death of a Salesman Essay

When people accept an ideal to live by, it can be a very noble thing unless they become so obsessed with the ideal that they are unable to realize their dream. Miller examines the significance of an ideal and its pursuer in the shaping of individuals’ lives. Willy’s ideal was to pursue the American dream. Biff’s ideal was to always be true to your heart. Willy and Biff’s ideals are different but still both are very much the same people.

Willy Loman went to pursue the American dream rather than actually living the American dream. One of Willy’s ways in pursuing his dream was in Biff. He taught Biff that in order to get ahead in the b...