2. Death of a Salesman

What themes does the play present?
The play mainly focuses on the idea of the American Dream. This is clearly seen through Willy’s attempts to keep his job, or work somewhere else. Also, Willy wants to create a better life for his children as seen through his constant nagging at Biff. Ultimately, his kids also take advantage of this idea known as the American Dream. Biff is off living his life free, and wants to start a farm out west. Happy however, follows in his dad’s footsteps as a salesman, and enjoys his life of pleasures including women. Part of the American dream from Willy’s standpoint is that because he put his children in such good position to succeed, they should pay him back, or take care of him. This is the source of many of Willy’s problems. His kids are not following this, especially Biff. In reality, this play presents the American Dream as nothing but a circle: Parents provide for kids, kids one day provide for parents. However, each of the characters in this play ends up sort of lost and wandering instead of ultimately capturing that dream.