The American Dream

The American Dream has been part of the American culture for years. It is a dream that, if you were in America, you have a chance at. It is the dream of having the nice cars, big houses, money, and being a huge success. It is the dream that anyone can be as rich as Bill Gates or have that Wall Street job that makes millions. The American Dream in one word is opportunity whether one is rich or poor. Even the Statue of Liberty speaks of the opportunity in America. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

In the play Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, each character has his or her idea of the American Dream that is both similar and different to the definition. Most of the characters have different ideas depending on each character’s personality. Willy Loman thinks of the American Dream as having a job in the business world of America. It is being well liked by you bosses, co-workers, and everyone. To Linda Loman, the American Dream is about her family and taking care of her husband who works too hard. For Happy the American Dream is all about material things, women, and being better than the next guy. Biff believes the America Dream is not being stuck in the business world of America. His American Dream is just freedom to do what he wants. He was always his father’s golden boy, but when he did not graduate all of his plans shattered and he did not know which direction he should go in regards to his future. Each character is trying to reach their "American Dream" but can't because of eachother or their conflicts.