In Author Miller's relentless drama, Death of a Salesman, one is able to examine a common man and the downward spiral to his ultimate demise. This timeless drama addresses the raw, painful conflicts within one family and tackles the myth of the "American Dream." "It is the story of an aging salesman who has reached the end of his usefulness on the road." (Atkinson, 305) The common man in this tragedy is Willy Loman. Willy is portrayed as a delusional, flawed man, whose empty life is based on deception and false hopes. He is an insecure traveling salesman who has lied to himself and to his family for many, many years.
             There are several conflicts that stem from Willy's flawed character. Willy has been unfaithful to his loving, supportive wife, Linda, for many years and the conflicts
             within the Loman family are longstanding. One could easily say that this family is wrought with dysfunction, mainly stemming from all the false hopes and dreams that Willy has passed on to his sons. Biff and Hap grow up being taught that a business career is the one and only way to achieve respectable success. They are told repeatedly that if they "are 'well liked,' they can get away with anything." (Magill, 1367) These confusing messages result in real-life, destructive problems for the Loman sons. As an adult, "Biff discovers that he has no direction, no skill, and no vocation" (Magill, 1367) and that he is a thief. Hap grows up chasing women and becoming a diluted caricature of his father. Biff is able to see through his father and despises him and his actions. His wife, Linda, sees through him as well, but she defends him by stating that he is "well intentioned."
             The major conflict seeded in this drama is that of Willy's inner struggle with reality. He is living in a fantasy world and is constantly re
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