Willy believes in what he considers the promise of the American Dream, that a well liked and personally attractive man in business will undoubtedly and deservedly acquire the material comforts offered by modern American dream. "The man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead. Be liked and you will never want." - Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman, Act 1. A major theme in act 1 of Death of a Salesman is the American dream, this is shown straight from the beginning of the play when it starts in their home which most of the play takes place, and since home ownership is a central piece of the American dream it is shown in the setting. Another example of the American dream in act 1 is that Biff continues to try and win Willy's approval to try and show that he is a worker and focuses on financial success, this is done by Biff doing the outdoor work he loves and also profiting as a ranch owner. Willy’s ego is destroyed by doubts and piling evidence that he will never experience the fame and fortune promised by the American Dream even as he thought with hard work and being liked he shall obtain it almost as an American Promise. Willy cannot completely deny his real situation. Willy throughout act 1 retreats into his daydreams not only to escape the present but also to examine the past. He searches for the mistake that he made that cancelled his hopes for fame and fortune and destroyed his relationship with Biff. Why do you think Willy is so hung up on material and financial fortune? What do you think defines Willy's idea of the "American Dream"
Joe, I feel willy is hung up so much on the financial fortune and the materials in his life because i think that's what he feels the American dreams he wants so much to obtain is all about. He wants a big house with nice things and a nice car instead of worrying more about the relationship with his family more so with Biff.
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