The continuing conflict between illusion and reality can be seen from beginning to end in Arthur Miller's "Death of A Salesman". The travelling salesman, Willy Loman, is plagued by this constant battle of what is real and what is not. As the play nears its end Willy is unable to tear himself away from his illusions of past, present, and future. This results in his inevitable demise.
             Willy Loman is a man obsessed with a vision of how things should be: a high-paying job, where he is seen as indispensable; a loving family with successful children; and being well-liked. All of these ideals are thwarted by events of reality, sends Willy further into lies. His boss sees no real use for him, he is borrowing money from his neighbour, Charley, his sons have not, according to him, lived up to their potential, and he is no longer remembered by people. Willy tells lies about how well liked he is in all of his towns, and how vital he is to New England. At times Willy even believes his own lies and becomes enthusiastic when he tells his family that he made more money than he actually did. And so continues this theme of reality versus illusion throughout the play.
             The lies that Willy continuously puts up cannot fool everyone. Linda realises that Willy has been borrowing money from Charley secretly, "When he has to go to Charley and borrow fifty dollars a week and pretend to me that it's his pay?" (pg.45). Willy tries to keep from Linda that he is no longer earning as much money as he once had. He is too ashamed to tell her the truth that after thirty-six loyal years the company has in fact demoted him to a position of a beginner on a commissioning salary.
             "He drives seven hundred miles, and when he gets there no one knows him any more, no one welcomes him." (pg. 45). Linda also sees the true desperate situation that Willy has found himself in. A job where he once prided himself o
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