Willy Loman Legacy

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Most good parents hope that their children will be more successful then themselves. Willy Loman fit the roll of the good parent with high standards, for in the early stages of his children’s lives, Willy was certain that his sons would achieve great things. When it was finally time for his son’s to flourish and for him to relax and pass down his responsibilities Willy was rapidly brought to reality, realizing that he was advocating a life that was a lie and that himself and his sons would never achieve. With the downfall of the ideal vision for his sons also fell Willy’s grip on his sanity, leaving the hardworking salesman’s world spinning, leading him to do irrational things to try and create a successful, secure legacy. Willy Loman Failed to set a proper foundation to guarantee the success of his sons; thus his many references to gardening…show more content…
The word "boy" is referenced over 80 times in the play, emphasizing that the Lomans are stunted, powerless men. Throughout the play, Willy often speaks to his deceased brother Ben, most of the time seeking advice on his failed dreams. Willy questions, “Ben! What’s the answer? How did you do it?” (Miller 47), seeking advice on his own successes, then states “I’m afraid that I’m not teaching them the right kind of- Ben, how should I teach them?” (Miller 52). Willy’s seeking of advice from Ben supports that he is at a loss with the stagnancy of his life and his sons. Willy realizes his failure in life and of the American dream shortly after he was abandoned at the diner when he tries to plant in the dark. He his planting without any light, without any hope or guidance. It is in the garden that the family fully realizes the extent of Willy's downfall, for his garden is a burial mound for his hopes and dreams. Willy’s garden can be classified as a "garden of defeat," a victim of the grey world, as fragile and hopeless as Willy Loman
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