Willy Loman: A Man With A Dream A common idea presented in literature is the issue of the freedom of the individual in opposition to the controlling pressures of society. Willy Loman, the maincharacter in Death of A Salesman by Arthur Miller,epitomizes this type of person; one who looks to his peersand co-salesman as lesser individuals. Not only was hecompetitive and overbearing, but Willy Loman sought after anideal that he could never become: the greatest salesmanever. Determined to make money, Willy became uncontrollableand somewhat insane. Through his dialogue and actions,Willy Loman portrays a character of insecurity, persistence,and unknown identity. From the very beginning of his life, Willy Lomanexperienced problems with his popularity and personality. His last name is a pun on a "low man." He is at the bottomof the business world as an unsuccessful salesman. Inaddition, his theories on life and society prove to be verydegrading, not to mention influential to his mind set everyday. Willy believes that being well-liked and having apersonal attractiveness, together, can bring success, money,and many friends. Ironically, Willy does not have manyfriends and many people do not like him. With a beautyunlike others, Willy thinks that doors will open andproblems will all disappear. As a salesman, Willy developed many hindrances thatcaused his mind to deteriorate. His life as a salesman wasbuilt on a dream that he witnessed as a child. At an earlyage, Willy heard of a salesman, Dave Singleman, who couldmake his living out of a hotel room. Singleman was verysuccessful and when he died, people from all over thecountry came to his funeral. It was this ideal that WillyLoman sought after. All he ever wanted was fame,popularity, and a few friends. Unfortunately, when Willydied, not a single person went to his funeral. His life,one that was spent trying to become another person, namelyDave Singleman, was a waste as no-one even wanted...
