American Dream Lost in Death of a Salesman by Arthur MillerDeath of a Salesman is about hopes and dreams that have gone wrong. It doesn't have to be the "American" dream as such, because all people share the same hopes and dreams, regardless of their nationality. The underlying factor, and the unavoidable truth, is that we all must dream, dreams are important to human existence. It is obvious to the reader that for Willy, his ultimate dream was to follow in Uncle Ben's footsteps and become a successful salesman. Unfortunately for Willy, most of his dreams are illusions, but he is unable to realize this reality. At the end of the play, Biff is likely to succumb to the fact that his father, Willy, actually had "all the bad dreams", and the reader will agree that this is ultimately what led to Willy's downfall. Willy's false hopes and dreams are evident in the fact that he wants to be a reflection of his brother Ben. “The man knew what he wanted and he went for it!” Willy believes Ben has the "ultimate life" and strives to pursue his dream of becoming a successful salesman. This brings up the idea that Willy is deluding himself and doesn't know any different. “The jungle is dark but full of diamonds.” The metaphor of the jungle is continually brought to the reader's attention throughout the novel. Like Ben, Willy hopes to strike it rich in the New England business world. However, Willy never finds the diamonds (success) and he leaves life without fortune or fame. In many ways, the jungle also represents the ideal of the American dream that Miller often criticized. Willy believes that being a salesman is the most enjoyable of all jobs. “...And the smile on your face” gives the reader the idea that Willy is happy in his job, which Willy himself suggests. Obviously, this turns out to be another illusion that Willy created for himself. As the novel's conclusion approaches, it is obvious to the reader that Willy is unable to maintain that smile and is no longer happy in his job. Willy's delusions throughout the novel are also obvious to the informed audience..