Willy

Willy’s Illusions are clearly evident throughout the play as Miller continuously brings us into his flashbacks. Although it can be argued that these flashbacks are fictional and part of Willy’s illusion itself, they fundamentally suggest Willy’s inability to separate his delusion from the truth, and hence his dreams from reality. In fact, not only does Willy show signs of physical hallucination, we may argue that Willy spends his entire life in an illusion. Concisely put: he sees himself as a great man that is popular and successful. In essence, he reflects many childlike qualities; he is idealistic, stubborn and has a false sense of his importance in the world. Sadly, we see his childish behaviour wear off onto his two sons, which may suggest a similar fate for them. (Assumption made when not having read the whole book) It also seems ironic how despite his failure to obtain wealth and the American Dream, he continues to believe in the capitalist system that he lives in, which has never appreciated him or paid him back for his hard work as a salesman. His view however, stands in contrast to that of Miller, who seemingly conveys that the capitalist system is flawed, and that many, like Willy, become victim to its demands and its appreciation of only those who produce wealth for business, not hard work. –This idea of Willy being a victim, he himself makes clear with his confrontation with Howard and Linda’s ultimate defense speech about an ordinary man falling apart under the demands of Modern America – p44
 * Willy’s illusions**

Howard: ‘But where am I gonna put you kid?’ – a clear sign of disrespect, creating a sense of sympathy for Willy, who is much older than Howard- and clearly shows the lack of respect towards Willy. ‘[Willy picks it up and gives it to him]’ – Willy can be seen as a hypocrite here, as he made it clear to Biff that at his business meeting he should not pick anything up for Oliver, yet ironically, Willy does so here for Howard (a lighter). Willy’s obsession with Success Salesman story of 84 year old Dave Singleman- we may not believe Willy’s story, however, his determination to hold on to this story as the truth, perhaps highlights how he believes he can be a success, despite his age and the demands of the new modern America. His belief in this story reflects his belief in popularity and how it can generate success, even if the story isn’t true, it seems evident that Willy does believe in it.
 * More on Howard’s confrontation p 62-**


 * Willy’s Idea of the American Dream-**

> ‘and they know me, boys they know me up and down New England’
 * Popularity ‘He’s liked, but he’s not- well liked.’
 * Money
 * Respect

Willy seems to struggle with facing reality, and the fact that he has failed to become successful, or failed to pursue the American Dream successfully. Initially, this becomes conveyed with his conversation with Linda, when financial problems cause him to lie as he shows his overconfidence. (‘I’m very well liked in Hartford’) Although it may be easy to criticize Willy for his way of acting, later references in the play suggest that he cares about Linda, and that perhaps he merely lies to make her feel better, and to lighten up the mood. Over time, we come to know Willy, and we begin to distrust his statements and accusations progressively less.
 * Willy’s inability to face the truth**

Although rarely, we do see moments of Willy where he admits that his life has been difficult and unsuccessful. His remark to Ben about him feeling ‘kind of temporary’ displays a sign of uncertainty in Willy, reflecting his failure. Furthermore, in Act II we see his willingness to make up a story to please his wife, after he has been fired. –p84 ‘The gist of it is I haven’t got a story left in my head’.
 * Willy’s few but important moments of truth**

This seems to suggest that Willy is well aware of his failure to succeed, and that he is well aware of his stories he often makes up. Nevertheless, it also suggests that we should not blame him for it. Mainly as he cares for his wife, and realises that the ‘woman has suffered’. His awareness of his failures are clearly reflected as he attempts to commit suicide with both the gas and the car. He lies about the car accidents continuously, perhaps not to worry his wife, but also perhaps as he is self-deceiving himself, and as a way his desperate mind tries to reassert itself that he is a success.