Self-delusion In Death Of A Sa :: essays research papers

In Arthur Miller&8217s drama &8220Death of a Salesman the protagonist is a character by the name of Willy Loman. Willy suffers from self-delusion and is obsessed with a confide to succeed. Willy&8217s family is strongly influenced by his actions, which contributes to their own self-delusions. Willy has an extremely large ego and fabricates most if not all of his supremacy. He brags about how much money he bring abouts inflating his sales commissions to his wife Linda. Willy is too proud to accept a job from Charley yet he seems to have no problem accepted money from him to make ends meet. Willy says &8220I&8217m keeping strict accounts (1683) of the money Charley gives him, but has no intention of ever repaying the debt. Willy wants to be recognized, liked and admired. In Willy&8217s mind success is linked to how well a person is liked. He exaggerates how well liked and respected he really is and tells his sons punch and Happy in order for them to be truly successful they must f irst be well liked. Linda is an enabler and is codependent on Willy. She encourages him and participates in his delusions. Linda is unselfish and her life revolves around Willy and the boys. Despite what she might think or feel personally she tries to influence Biff and Happy to listen to their father stating &8220attention must be paid and encouraging them to participate in his delusions. By braggy into Willy, trying to keep peace in the family and trying to avoid hurting him she is actually causing more harm than good. Biff is irresponsible and unable to uncovering happiness. He learned from Willy the way to achieve success is through lying, stealing, and powerful acquaintances. His disillusionment with his father stems from the discovery of Willy&8217s adulterous relationship and unfaithfulness to his mother. Biff becomes frustrated with his mother when she defends Willy. He rebels against success and authority taking pleasure in defying his father. He does try to face the truth and has a sense of virtuous responsibility. Biff has get some of Willy&8217s best traits. He believes there is a better life out there for him, but not as a salesman. He wants to be outside working with his hands, which ironically is when Willy seems to be truly happy and when he feels he has been successful at something. Happy has inherited the worst of Willy&8217s traits.