The Truth is Hidden
People like to believe that they live in an imaginary world. A lazy, obese man may see a different, more muscular man when he looks into the mirror. Although he sees this illusion, he hides reality behind it. This applies to Willy Loman who is the main character of Arthur Miller’s The death of a salesman. Willy fabricates many illusions to mask the reality. Willy lives in a world filled with illusions. He believes that he is loved, that Biff is destined to be great, and that Bernard is also destined to greatness.
The story shows that Willy’s belief in himself as popular and well liked proves to have been an illusion. Linda, Willy’s spouse, tells Charley, Biff and others why no one came to his funeral. But where is the rest of his family? (P.137). So, the quote indicates that Willy wasn’t as popular than he thought. Willy might have had more mourners if he were truly loved by many people. Willy realizes he isn’t liked and tells Charley the truth while speaking with Charley. According to the story, this quote implies that Willy doesn’t make many friends. Charley would not be the only one who liked Willy. Biff believes he is fated for greatness. This is another lie in the tale. His poor academic performance does not make him destined to greatness. Bernard, one his friends, tells him that if he doesn’t study math, he will fail you and you won’t graduate. (P.32). Despite his friend’s warnings, Biff fails the test and doesn’t graduate. Biff doesn’t graduate high school. This tells us that he isn destined for greatness. Biff was a criminal in his youth and is not destined to be great. Biff was convicted of stealing and never achieved greatness. Being in prison is not a good thing.
Willy believes Bernard won’t be a successful person, but this is an illusion. Charley and Willy have a great conversation. They are all good boys and they will be successful (p.98). This quote contradicts many of Willy’s statements about Bernard. He said earlier that Bernard could get good marks in school but that he would be five times more successful in business. (p.33). It is implying that Biff will become successful in his life, while Bernard will not. Willy says that Bernard won’t be successful in the beginning. Willy learns that Bernard has become a top-ranking lawyer and will be arguing an appeal before the Supreme Court. This is evidence of Bernard’s success.
Many lies have been created to conceal the truth. The biggest lie that women still believe is how they cover themselves in makeup. They do this to deceive men. These illusions were created by Willy Loman to hide the truth. These illusions appeared to Willy because of the philosophy he holds. His philosophy led him to wrong assumptions about his son’s success, Bernard’s greatness and his belief in his well-being.
