hrough in his own mind, leading up to his suicide. Ben provides justification for Willy that he should commit suicide. Ben is a very materialistic person. He believes that money will do children better than love and support. He tries to persuade Willy into believing that insurance money would be better for his family than his love. The reader sees that Willy is struggling with this idea, trying to find some way to provide for his boys. The scene is halted, and Willy thinks back and discovers that Biff really loves him, he likes me! (1313). Immediately upon discovering this, Ben re-appears, stating that yes, Biff will be outstanding, with twenty thousand behind him (1313). At this point, it has all been decided in Willys mind. He is going to commit suicide, and he is going to provide his sons with money by killing himself. Through his discussion with Ben, the reader can see the struggle Willy goes through to reach his decision; yet, the reader sees how much he wants it. Willy does not see this as an end to his own life, but rather the only thing he has left to do in his life that can provide for his sons. It is evident throughout the whole story that all Willy wants is for his family to be happy. Ben is essentially Willys role model throughout the play and acts as someone who has achieved the true essence, in Willys mind, of the American Dream. He is someone who came out of a jungle rich at twenty-one. Ben is also used in a large part to contribute to the overall theme of the novel. Biff states at the end during his fathers funeral he had all the wrong dreams (1315). Perhaps this is true of Willy Loman. He is so caught up in achieving the American Dream and achieving Bens life that he is unable to see that the dream is different for everyone. He is unable to see who he is and to choose realistic goals for himself. Ben is used by Miller to provide the inspiration for Willy throughout the entire play. Through exploratio...
