Biff and the American Dream: a Critical Analysis

The American Dream's been a big deal in the U.S., symbolizing hopes for success, wealth, and moving up in society. Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" dives deep into this idea, especially through the character Biff Loman. Biff's story shows the ups and downs of the American Dream, making us think about its promises and drawbacks.

The Disillusionment of Biff Loman

Biff Loman really shakes up the usual ideas about the American Dream. At first, he's all in on his dad Willy's big but flawed dreams of success.

Willy, a traveling salesman, convinces Biff that charm and good looks are all you need to make it in America. But as Biff goes through life, he starts to see things differently and questions everything his dad taught him.

A key moment for Biff is when he finds out Willy's been unfaithful. This totally changes how Biff sees his dad, who he thought was a role model of success and morals. The betrayal not only makes Biff lose respect for Willy but also makes him doubt the whole American Dream idea. Biff's many business failures and his struggle to find a stable job only make him more doubtful. Unlike Willy, Biff starts to see that chasing success based on looks and social norms is pretty empty.

Biff's Search for Authenticity

Biff's life is all about finding what's real and true for him. Unlike his brother Happy, who's still chasing the corporate dream, Biff wants a life that feels real to him. He dreams of working on a ranch and doing physical work, which he thinks is more honest and satisfying than the fake goals of the American Dream.

When Biff confronts Willy in a big scene, he shows how much he values being real. He tells Willy, "I am not a leader of men, Willy, and neither are you. You were never anything but a hard-working drummer who landed in the ash can like all the rest of them!" This raw honesty shows Biff's rejection of his dad's false ideals and, by extension, the American Dream. Biff's acceptance of his own limits and his true self, even if it means giving up on traditional success, shows a deep understanding of living a real life.

Biff as a Reflection of the American Dream's Evolution

Biff's story mirrors how the American Dream has changed over time. Initially, the dream was about endless opportunities and moving up in life. But after World War II, it became more about money and status, sometimes ignoring personal happiness and morals. Biff's rejection of these values shows a shift towards a more personal and ethical version of the American Dream.

Biff's journey also highlights the differences between generations. Willy's generation had strong faith in the American Dream, while Biff's generation is more skeptical and looking for a deeper meaning in life. This clash shows how the American Dream is changing and needs to fit better with today's world.

To wrap it up, Biff Loman in "Death of a Salesman" offers a strong critique of the American Dream. His disillusionment, search for truth, and reflection on the dream's changes push us to rethink what success really means and what values matter. Biff's story reminds us that while the American Dream can be tempting, it can also lead us away from living a true and morally sound life.

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