American dream quotes Flashcards
“Biff Loman is lost… and such a hard worker”
Willy’s reflections suggest complete faith in the notion that in America, anyone who works hard and is personally compelling is destined to succeed
“There’s more people! That’s what’s ruining this country! The competition is maddening! “
Willy insists that his family’s lack of success is due to population growth and not his faulty vision of the American Dream.
“And it’s a measly manner of existence… To devote your whole life to keeping stock…..And still—that’s how you build a future. “.
Biff struggles with the competition inherent in the American way, but still holds it as a truth that he must take a path unpleasant for him in order to succeed. It seems that he longs for a life that’s more simple—a working-class lifestyle that his father sees as beneath him.
” I have to take orders from those petty, common sons of bitches till I can’t stand it anymore.”
Though Happy prefers a more primal form of competition, he cannot let go of the idea that success comes from the businesslike competition of the American office place. He is trapped within the hamster wheel of American capitalism.
” America is full of beautiful towns and fine, upstanding people.”
Willy’s characterisation of the American people as kind and virtuous to anyone who is personally attractive demonstrates his utter faith in his twisted version of the American Dream.
“The man knew what he wanted and went out and got it!”
Willy’s insistence that finding success is as easy as wanting it reveals total faith in the idea that he can get rich quick. His brother actually made his fast fortune in Africa rather than America, which surely goes against Willy’s beliefs
“Opportunity is tremendous in Alaska, William. Surprised you’re not up there”
The American West is portrayed as a land of opportunity waiting to be tapped. Willy is haunted by the fact that he didn’t accompany his brother to Alaska
“Between him and his son Bernard they can’t hammer a nail.”
Willy, like his sons, feels better able to compete in the physical sense than in the economic realm central to the American way.
“That is a one million dollar idea.”
While Biff and Happy are interested in finding work that is tolerable, Willy is fixated on ensuring that the boys find a lucrative profession likely to lead them down the path to success and greatness
“You’ve got a new continent at your doorstep, William.”
The American West is depicted as rife with opportunity and prosperity, an ideal place to pursue the American Dream
“A salesman is got to dream boy, it comes with the territory”
Charley’s characterisation of a salesman really applies to all dreamers, to all dreams of finding opportunity and success in America. This speech from Charley seems to help elevate Willy to a truly tragic figure, who represents the many failed dreams that have happened in America.
