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   rshaffer Teacher
   High School - 12th Grade

   eNotes Editor

   Willy's main goal in life is to live the "American Dream."  He desires to be a "self-made" man who rises from a state of poverty to a rich, well respected man of society.  Willy measures his success and self-worth with his success as a salesman.  As an uneducated man, becoming a salesman was the only chance Willy had at achieving his dreams.

   This play takes place after WWII when the United States was experiencing economical growth.  At least it was so for the more affluent people in society, but not for the poor.  Unfortunately for Willy Loman, he lives a life of poverty and must work exceptionally hard to provide for his family.  In Willy's mind his possessions are a sign of his wealth, which in return distinguish his success, and thus, represents Willy accomplishing the "American Dream."  The travesty of this entire scenario is that Willy Loman does not live in reality, and clinging to his possessions as measure of his worth is a disillusionment.

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   http://www.enotes.com/death-salesman/themes

   http://www.enotes/com/death-salesman/historical-context

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   Posted by rshaffer on Thursday February 12, 2009 at 7:13 PM