Death of a Salesman and The American Dream On close examination of “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller, the idea of the American Dream and its’ presence and significance throughout the play is huge. The American Dream offers those who start with nothing, the opportunity to gain riches. It dates back to the early history of America, in which pioneers conquered the wilderness of the frontier. Ben demonstrates this to Willy saying, “William, when …showed first 75 words of 909 total…

…showed last 75 words of 909 total…he considers him to be “anaemic”. Willy’s literally and total view towards the idea of the American Dream is what ultimately leads to his fall. He becomes the victim of a rapid psychological decline when he is unable to accept the variations he needs to make on the dream and his own life. His literal approach to the Dream and consumerist and materialist society proves to be neither advantageous to himself nor his family.