Introduction "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller is a poignant exploration of the American dream and the devastating effects of unbridled ambition. Set in post-World War II America, the play centers on Willy Loman, a struggling salesman who is consumed by his desire for success and recognition. His relentless pursuit of an idealized version of success ultimately leads to his downfall and highlights the often destructive nature of ambition. This essay will examine the theme of ambition in “Death of a Salesman,” analyzing how it shapes the characters and advances the narrative. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayBody ParagraphAt the heart of “Death of a Salesman” is the relentless ambition of Willy Loman. Willy's version of the American dream is deeply flawed; he equates success with being well-liked and financially prosperous, and he believes these attributes are the keys to happiness and self-esteem. His ambition, however, is not based in reality but in a fantasy of what he thinks success should look like. This misguided ambition is evident in his idolization of Dave Singleman, a salesman who, according to Willy, was so well-liked that he could make sales from his hotel room and had hundreds of people attend his funeral. Willy's obsession with this ideal sets an unattainable standard for him and his family, leading to a series of failures and disappointments. Willy's ambition also has a profound impact on his relationships with his family, particularly his sons, Biff and Happy. Willy projects his dreams and aspirations onto them, often ignoring their own desires and talents. He glorifies Biff's past accomplishments in high school football and pressures him to pursue a career in business, despite Biff's obvious disinterest and lack of aptitude for that field. This pressure creates tension and resentment, as Biff struggles to reconcile his father's expectations with his own self-esteem. Happy, on the other hand, internalizes Willy's ambition and adopts a similar pursuit of superficial success, leading to a life of empty accomplishments and unsatisfying relationships. The destructive nature of Willy's ambition is further emphasized by his refusal to accept the reality of his situation. Despite numerous setbacks and failures, Willy clings to the belief that he is on the verge of a major breakthrough. This illusion prevents him from making meaningful changes to improve his life and exacerbates his feelings of failure and inadequacy. His inability to face the truth ultimately leads to his tragic end, as he commits suicide in a last, desperate attempt to provide for his family through his life insurance policy. This act highlights the futility of his ambition and is a stark reminder of the dangers of living in pursuit of an unattainable dream. Unlike Willy's destructive ambition, Biff's journey throughout the play represents an alternative approach to ambition. After a series of disappointments, Biff realizes that his father's dream is not his. He rejects the superficial measures of success that Willy holds dear and instead pursues a more authentic and fulfilling path. Biff's decision to face the truth about himself and his father signifies a break from the cycle of unrealistic ambitions and offers a glimmer of hope for a more grounded and meaningful existence. Conclusion Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.Get a custom essay “Death of a Salesman” is a powerful critique of the American dream.