Adam B. Ferguson
Even though direct religion is never openly discussed in this book an almost “different” kind of religious outlook is prevalent. Willy’s strive for success no matter what the cost and his views of the American dream almost become of a type of a religion to him. The idea remains “holy” to him. Willy also comes from another “religious” approach by referring to Greek mythological gods or over exaggerating things. He has the tendency to make people mythological and godly which leads to his overall delusional state of mind. He speaks of Dave Singleman as a legend and imagines that his death must have been beautifully noble. Willy compares Biff and Happy to the mythic Greek figures Adonis and Hercules. He believes his sons are the epitome of "personal attractiveness" and power through "well liked"-ness and to him they seem to be the very incarnation of the American Dream. It is these jaded visions and over exaggerated stories that cause Willy to view the world in a godly manner. Through his jaded glasses, Willy fails to realize the hopelessness of Singleman’s lonely, on-the-job, on-the-road death. By trying to reach what he considers to be Singleman’s heroic status, Willy commits himself to a pathetic death and meaningless legacy Similarly, neither Biff nor Happy ends up leading an ideal, godlike life; while Happy does believe in the American Dream, it seems likely that he will end up no better off than the decidedly ungodlike Willy. So although religion of an organized, westernized, or even any religion, is not necessarily mentioned, the ideas of many religions and beliefs are scattered throughout. Willy also appears to create a religion of his own where he actively seeks the American Dream as if on a pilgrimage to the (un)holy land.