Death of a Salesman

“Illusion vs. Reality”

The theme of illusion versus reality is very prevalent throughout this play. The most

indulgent of this lifestyle is the main character Willy Loman. His whole life is based on the

illusion that he is successful because he is well-liked and good looking. He raises his two sons

on this premise and feeds it to them day after day. Willy is a dreamer. Willy grades his life on

the success he has as a salesman. He expects his sons to follow in his footsteps as well. Biff is

his main concern. Willy looks at Biff to be the one who shines in the business world. “Be liked

and you will never want”.(Bedford p.1836) Willy tells this to biff while they are talking about

school. The reality is that Willy is not well-liked and not successful but he still tells himself

every week that he’ll “knock ‘em dead next week”. Willy says, “I’m the New England man. I’m

vital in New England”. Willy is not as vi...