The death of salesman comes to an end when Willy loman commits suicide, who is to blame for Willy’s destruction?
Willy is to blame for his destruction by the way he lives his life in denial and with arrogance, the arrogance and jealousy inside Willly brings him down in the play. The American dream that Willy chases is also to blame but its Willy who decides to follow this lifestyle, which only leads him to guilt and depression.
The play teaches us about an individual that leads himself to self-destruction by being arrogant and living in denial. Willy is seen as egotistical in the play especially after Charley his neighbour offers him a job; Willy being offended by this declines the offer not only once but twice. Willy speaks “I can’t work for you, that’s all, don’t ask me why.” This is Willy admitting he will never work for Charley. Charley loans Willy money whilst he doesn’t have a job, Willy is happy to take Charleys money but doesn’t want to work under Charley. Although he takes the money Wily is jealous of the life Charley lives. Just as charley gives Willy the money, he is quoted saying “You been jealous of me all your life, you damned fool. Here, pay your insurance.” This shows Willy who is trying to obtain a high standard of living while doing nothing constructive. This is how he is envious of people who are higher than him but will never work for or under them to start of with. The reason for this is because Willy see’s the only ideal life is living the great American dream. Willy see’s the American dream within his neighbour Charley and his brother Ben who also tells Willy to enter the “jungle”.
This idea of the jungle represents a interesting and exciting life, by stepping out into the jungle Willy is obtaining a dangerous challenge that when overcome he can become rich and wealthy, like Ben his brother. This is how Willy arrogance keeps him out of work and leaves him to feel he has failed as a man.
Willy lives his