To be able to understand the importance of the role of dreams in the play, we should first look into Arthur Miller's intentions in writing it. From reading the play we can see that it is an attack on capitalism and the American way of life. The capitalist system undoubtedly reaps its rewards, but the play shows its downfalls through Willy Loman and his family. Willy has run his course in the business world and been as much use to the system as he can be; despite his loyalties he is then cast aside by the ruthlessness of a system that is now alien to him. Willy is a failed businessman, and lifts a veil of deceit over this fact to try and hide it from himself as well as those around him.
             Arthur Miller himself was a victim of the capitalist way of life, as in 1956 he was found guilty of communism and trying to undermine the American way of life. The play, however, is not about capitalism or communism as such but more about a tragic character, whose lack of self-knowledge and sudden realisation that time has taken away his dreams and success, leads to his inevitable downfall.
             There are three dreams or ideals at work within the play. The first is the 'American Dream'. This dream was and is still a popular one in America; it is a belief that through hard work one can achieve wealth and social status – and a position where they work for themselves and not an employer. Both Willy and Happy strive to follow this dream, and in the play we see Willy fall foul of it and Happy following his lead.
             Biff follows another dream – the concept of 'the Great Outdoors'. This dream is one that focuses on men doing 'what God intended them to do' – living out in the open using their bodies to earn them a living.
             The third and last concept – slightly less a dream than the other two – is that of the pioneer, embodied by Ben. He is determined to seek the goals of the American Dream such...