Adam B. Ferguson
Willy is a man who sets up a very different view of the Political, Social, and Economic environment. Willy believes wholeheartedly in what he considers the promise of the American Dream (the American dream being a person who is "well liked" as well as "personally attractive"). If Willy is able to obtain to “American Dream,” he beleives he will obtain the comforts offered by modern American life. However, this fixation on superficial qualities such as attractiveness and likeability is different then that of the true American Dream. Willy believes he can “cheat” the system by using only his good looks and charm, but overlooks the what that he must work hard without complaining in order to succeed and obtain the true American Dream. It is Willy’s childish tendencies to judge based on superficial qualities (he dislikes Bernard because he considers Bernard a nerd) that ultimately gets him in trouble. Willy’s blind faith in his obscured version of the American Dream leads to his rapid psychological decline in which is is unable to differentiate between his own life and the “dream.” Willy’s need for success and affirmation labels him as someone who believes he must prove something to someone. In order to achieve success you must first be at the bottom in order to work yourself to the top. Willy must go through this same journey but tries to shortcut or work the system which leaves him grasping at imaginery ladders.