In Death of a Salesman, Willy’s mental disorder is becoming more predominant. Willy has flashbacks and hallucinations. These flashbacks and hallucinations seem to be either regrets that Willy has or the view on how he wishes events would have happened in his life. Through his visions, an insight is given into Willy’s life outside of the present.
Another aspect that plays into Willy’s personality is his lack of self-confidence. He constantly refers to himself as “just a fat man…[who] no one notices at the office.” Being a faithful, loving wife, Linda reassures Willy that he is “the handsomest” man she has ever met. The exchange of words between Willy and Linda lead me to believe that Linda is incredibly faithful to Willy and would do anything possible to make him happy. Later, during a flashback, Willy is speaking to “a woman.” This woman mentions that she will see him next time he gets back on business. This hallucination proves that Willy was unfaithful to his wife, despite her faithfulness to him. I wonder, is Willy’s lack of self confidence a product of his unfaithfulness?
Through the style of this play, we are able to understand the story from Willy’s perspective, which helps us understand his definition of the “American Dream.” Willy is incredibly caught up in looks and whether he is well liked. Will Willy’s mental disorder help him have a change of heart and rediscover what the “American Dream” truly is, or will looks continue to control his happiness?
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