Have you ever felt compelled to reconcile your past uncertainties and worries with new or present situations in the pursuit of a meaningful life? Or in the case of Death of a Salesman, the pursuit of the American dream. In “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller, Willy Loman, the protagonist, is a salesman caught by surprise by his constructed society ideals. Self-delusion indirectly affects him and his surroundings, including the people around him. Willy's misconception affects the standards of a meaningful life he has created throughout his life. These norms guide him towards his heightened vision of who he is and what he wants to achieve, subsequently negatively influencing his eldest son Biff Loman and adding stress towards himself. In this play, the distinction between the two characters and their conflicted sense of reassurance describes how past uncertainties in their lives are understood and this consequently drives the story. Arthur Miller describes that individuals are actually born ideal when faced with the need to reconcile their past, and this causes further uncertainties that need to be resolved. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay Willy Loman was an unsuccessful salesman who was once revered by the people around him. At the beginning of the play it is evident that he is unable to dictate how his life proceeds, and so he constantly argues back to prove that, no matter what, he is right and his opinion is accepted. These multiple contradictions demonstrate that Willy is really worried about the possibility of receiving negative comments and judgments. Willy has consciously constructed ideals that suggest that appearance goes a long way in determining the success of your future and advises his children that they should be "well-liked" and "liked and (they) will never want that." Willy remembers the time when his sons, Biff Loman and Happy Loman were out cleaning his car, the Chevy. Willy explains to Biff and Happy the financial success of his business trips. He explains that because of his admiration for her, he doesn't have to wait in line. Willy interprets the fact that people "remember" him as the ultimate satisfaction, as he states to his children "they know me up and down New England" and "I have friends." Ultimately, he teaches his children that being appreciated by others is the way to fulfill one's life and remove all worries. Although Willy is a hard-working man, these ideals, that one does not need to work to be successful, demonstrate Willy's deluded belief that he obtains a meaningful life from the admiration and acceptance of others and is proven false when no one except members of his family, arrives at his funeral. Willy constantly tries to gain the acceptance of others through hypocritical and mendacious stories that portray him in a bright light. Willy's great lack of integrity appears to be influenced by Uncle Ben who "never fights fair". In the past, he lies to his wife Linda about his gross earnings for that week, but in reality he receives the weekly sum from Charlie and Linda, being aware of his financial problems, keeps his exposed lie to herself. Linda acts as a protection from the harsh realities of the modern world by constantly lying to him and maintaining his pride in himself. Willy Loman is portrayed as a protagonist who inevitably destroys himself figuratively and literally to maintain his sense of dignity and to gain his "right" place in society. Biff Loman, on the other hand