gnores the recording machine. He does not speak of the future with the company, but rather with his history and past promises. Unlike the current business world, Willy talks about the past when being a salesman demanded friendship and respect. Once again, he believes that personality and personal relationships are critical factors in the business world. It would appear that Willy does not concern himself with modern scientific merchandising techniques, but does display great enthusiasm, with all the advantages and dangers which that entails (Fuller 241). Willy fails at achieving the American Dream. Throughout Americans history, immigrants have come to the United States hoping for a life of prosperity and success. Willy Loman, the relentless competitor, became a symbol of the dark side of the American Dream that he so firmly believed in (Why Willy Loman Lives 19). In all respects, Willy does not achieve the American Dream. Although Willy never experiences prosperity, he sees Charley achieving the American Dream. Willy has no pride in what he does and disguises these emotions. Although he loves carpentry, Willy believes that it is more important to be an unsuccessful salesman than a satisfied carpenter. He, therefore, fails miserably at the true American Dream, exchanging it for an unachievable fantasy. If the salesman can properly be called the hero of American society, it would be difficult to discover a more fitting hero for a modern tragedy (Fuller 241). Willy Loman portrays a deluded salesman, whose imagination greatly exceeds his sales ability. A salesman does not make their own product, but masters a particular skill or body of knowledge, and works on the empty substance of dreams and promises. Actually, a salesman must sell their personality as much as their product. [Willy] believes that lifes problems are solved by making oneself well liked (in the salesmans sense) and by little cash (Clurman, Success 214).Miller...
