Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work. One of the major themes in Death of a Salesman by Authur Miler is "the American Dream." For most, the American Dream is the hope for a future filled with success and fortune. Although many may share the idea of the American Dream, each person has a different perception of what is necessary to achieve this goal. For protagonist and struggling salesman, Willy Loman, achieving this dream would mean a completely fulfilled existence. Unfortunately, Willy's simplistic ideas on how to accomplish his goal are what ultimately prevents him from reaching it. Arthur Miller clearly shows the hopelessness of chasing the American Dream. Death of a Salesman is best summed up by its title, it is just that, the death of a salesman. This death is not necessarily the physical end to a human life, but the crumbling end to the dreams of Willie Loman. Willy believes wholeheartedly in what he considers the promise of the American Dream, that a "well liked" and "personally attractive" man in business will deservedly acquire the material comforts offered by modern American life. Oddly, his fixation with the superficial qualities of attractiveness and likeability is at odds with a more rewarding understanding of the American Dream that identifies hard work without complaint as the key to success. Willy's interpretation of likeability is superficial, he childishly dislikes Bernard because he considers Bernard a nerd. Willy's blind faith in his stunted version of the American Dream leads to his rapid psychological decline when he is unable to accept the disparity between the Dream and his own life. He no longer has a dream or will to live causing him to entertain thoughts of suicide. In the end it is the love for his son (Biff) and the belief that his insurance money will make Biff "magnificent" that gives him the needed excuse and cause...