"Compare and contrast the theme of illusion vs. reality in the play. Choose several symbols, characters or issues that reflect this theme."
             In Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" the Loman family cannot distinguish between reality and illusion, which creates a major theme and source of conflict in the play. No one lives a perfect life, the Loman family has problems and situations they must face sooner or later. The ways in which individuals deal with personal conflicts differ as some ignore their problems, while others face the problem to create a solution. The Loman's used illusion to erase what was miserable to them in reality. This is evident through the characters and symbols in the play.
             The Loman family is a clear example of the issue, illusion and reality. They suffer from a loss of identify, as Willy is an imaginative salesman who reverts to his imagination when his reality is falling apart. Willy is fooled by his and his sons' identities, he believes that they are great men who have what it takes to be successful and beat the business world. A theory of his includes that if a person is well liked and has a great deal of personal attractiveness, then all the doors will automatically be opened for them, meaning that hard work is not the way to achieve success. Willy unlike Charlie believed that appearances and popularity were fundamental characteristics of success. He failed to teach his sons about ambition and determination which results in failure for Biff and Happy and created success for Bernard, as he was taught of the realities of success.
             "That's just what I mean. Bernard can get the best marks in school, y'understand, but when he gets out in the business world, y'understand, you are going to be five times ahead of him. That's why I thank Almighty God you're both built like adonises. Because the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man wh...