What motivates a man? Death of a Salesman challenges the American dream. Before the Depression, an optimistic America offered the alluring promise of success and riches through booming businesses and the attractive stock market. Willy Loman is a victim of the American Dream, which has been proven unsuccessful with him and his sons. They were seeking something that was simply out of their reach as well as their knowledge. Willy Loman desired fortune, family and …showed first 75 words of 1071 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1071 total…the American dream itself. In order to preserve his identity, Willy cannot acknowledge his failure to acquire his desires promised by the American dream. He cannot admit doubt or insecurity because a good salesman always remains confident, and the American dream promises success to the confident, eager individual. Death of a Salesman addresses Willy's struggle to maintain his identity in the face of narrowing hopes that he or his sons will ever fulfill his dreams.