Consider how Miller dramatically presents his view of “The American Dream”.

Point 1: Portrayal of the American DreamWilly's character emphasises the idea that through hard work and being well-liked, a man can achieve anything. He says that this is 'the wonder of this country, that a man can end with diamonds here on the basis of being liked'. This faith in America being a place where anyone can become rich is what drives Willy- and he also teaches his sons these same principles, placing his hope in their success; more specifically Biff. He reminds his son 'you got all kinds of greatness', suggesting his faith in his son and that he will succeed in a way that is special. Whilst the Loman parents focus their attention mainly on Biff, the more reluctant son, it seems that their other son Happy is more likely to meet this dream and holds many of the same principles as his father. After Willy dies, Happy says that 'he had a good dream. It's the only dream you can have- to come out number-one man'. This creates further emphasis of a grand dream, and one that Happy is honoured to continue, believing that to be better than your neighbours is the best thing to want. Therefore the characters Willy and Happy represent the American ideal. Point 2: Miller contrasts this with the realityIn the opening scene of 'Death of a Salesman', the stage directions describe the set as if 'an air of the dream clings to the place, a dream rising out of reality'. Although this may seem useless to a director or stage manager, this gives an important insight to the atmosphere of the setting. The line suggests a set where people have lived on a dream, where reality is so present but somehow ignored. This is an example of the contrast Miller creates between the created ideals and the realities. Another way in which this is suggested is through the moments when reality creeps into the mind of Willy- the character who seems to be consumed by the idea of the American Dream. Thinking of his son's promise, he exclaims 'a star like that, magnificent, can never really fade away', which alludes to the hope for his invincible seeming success. However, whilst Willy speaks this line, 'the light on Willy is fading', which creates an irony and doubt by his statement on never fading. This lighting is also symbolic of Willy's journey through the play, during which we see him fading from the salesman he used to be to a man without a job who commits suicide to give his son the insurance money. Another way in which Miller portrays this contrast is through the beliefs and dialogue of Willy's family, for instance when Biff exclaims that they had 'been talking in a dream for fifteen years', suggesting they had created what they thought was reality with delusions and lies, ignoring the truth. This places emphasis on the false beliefs that they held. Happy also finds that the things he thought he would need in his life- according to the American ideal, are not what is making him satisfied. He confesses that 'it's what I've always wanted. My own apartment, a car, and plenty of women. And still, goddammit, I'm lonely'. This possession of money, success and love is what he was brought up to strive for, and he seems to be successful, but this is still not enough to fulfill him or make him happy, suggesting that this material wealth is not the correct thing to desire. Even Willy seems to notice the consumerist lifestyle he lives is in some ways claustrophobic, and psychologically suffocating, as he is standing in his yard and complains at 'the way they boxed us in here. Bricks and windows. Windows and bricks'. He feels trapped within his own neighbourhood and home as more and more people are squeezed into apartment blocks around him. The chiasmus used here in particular emphasises how the surroundings are all the same, and overwhelming. Therefore the reality of how this American community lives begins to appear, and it is very different to the happy lifestyle it is imagined to be.