Themes Flashcards
What does the American Dream suggest?
That financial prosperity is available to anyone who works hard enough.
What does Willy observe about the American Dream?
He watches those around him succeed at it
What do Willy’s serial mistruths do?
Prop up the illusion of his son’s successes
What is Willy’s deepest delusion?
That his broken relationship with Biff has nothing to do with his infidelity.
What does the entire family function under?
The illusions of happiness and pending success, in order to protect themselves from the fact that the American Dream is not universally attainable
What betrayal unravels Willy’s idea of family?
The betrayal of Willy’s father
How does Willy reflect his father’s abandonment?
- Abandons his son for road trips
- his suicide is his final abandonment
What is Willy’s true longing for?
For nature and country life in the midst of trying to be a well liked salesman
What does Willy wish for at his worst?
Fresh air and a garden
Where though does he believe that real success comes from?
Working in a man made environment
What does Biff inherit from his father?
His love for nature - but has been so indoctrinated by his father’s ideas that he can never really embrace what he enjoys.
