striven for success but, in struggling to do so, have instead achieved failure in its most bitter form” (Lee).In direct link to Death of a Salesman, the poem Richard Cory by Edwin Arlington Robinson comes to mind. The character Richard Cory had the most sought after qualities. He was rich and successful (Robinson). Everyone coveted what Cory possessed. People long to be in the position of this man (Robinson). Through and through, Cory is similar to Ben. He is put upon a pedal stool where all longingly admire the wealth and status of such characters. As Willy believes, the people that surround Cory believe that money and power solve all problems and that nothing could be wrong with Richard Cory. They think that he’s life is perfect because of the direct effect of his financial and social position (Robinson). Quoted from “The American Dream”:“The title character has become the townspeople’s embodiment of the American dream by accumulating money and stature. But Richard Cory had lived a life of materialism and greed which became his perspective of the American dream. And when the dream became reality to him, he was struck by the bitterness of an end achieved. Richard Cory found his dream was hollow and meaningless, and out of confusion and hopelessness he took his own life.” The people surrounding Cory continually thinks that he has it all just because of the money. Just like Willy, they perceive the American Dream to be about money, rather than it’s correct meaning. The American Dream in the true essence is that of accomplishment and happiness. The problem with the American Dream is not that it is dead, but people make it out to be something that it is not. Richard Cory and Willy Loman both wanted wealth. Cory achieved this only to realize that he still was not happy. “Richard Cory had everything the poor commoners dreamed for, but what they did not know was that ...
