How Is Willy Loman Selfish

Chasing the Wind “Will you let me go for Christ’s sake? Will you take that phony dream and burn it before something happens?” (Act II). Why is this particular line so important? These words were coming from a frustrated and broken Biff Loman towards his father Willy Loman. This very quote portrays both sides of a contradicting theme: the concept of selfishness vs. selfishness. Willy Loman’s selfish character in comparison to his son Biff’s selfishness presents opposing characteristics that together end in tragedy. These concepts along with the idea of identity were observed in Arthur Miller’s, Death of a Salesman. There is no doubt, a traditional “American” home, had the man portrayed as the breadwinner of the family, the woman was simply a submissive housewife, and the children were happy-go-lucky. In is important to restate the role the man held in the household. His duty was to protect and provide for his family yet, Willy Loman seemed to be doing it all wrong. Willy Loman attempted to commit suicide in
various occasions, all in efforts to escape the fact that he couldn’t provide enough for his family, the fact that he hadn’t accomplished all he had set out to be. When someone is trying to secure and keep his family safe, these are not actions typically taken. Willy Loman is selfish. Even in his efforts to make his children into something great, he does it for himself, for his appearances. He wants to prove to outsiders looking in that he has made something of himself, even if it happens to be through his sons, Biff and Happy. They are tools he tries to use for his own ends. Unfortunately with Biff in particular, the result is dire. On the other end of the spectrum stands selflessness. Biff Loman was the eldest son, the one Willy passed all his unachieved dreams to. This provided a stressor upon Biff, due to the fact that Willy was constantly pressuring him to become someone in life. Though Biff was well aware of who he was and what he wanted, his father’s expectations constantly crippled his desire to break away from the hold that had been placed on him. In my opinion this aspect of his life makes him a selfless person. Of course anyone could say that if he really wanted to, he would’ve left and made a life of his own, regardless of what his father wanted for him yet for some reason that isn’t the case. In reference back to his line from Act II, Biff longs to be released from Willy's dreams, so that he can create his own, ones that are based on the reality of his situation. In both cases, whether it is discussing Willy’s selfishness or Biff’s selflessness, the basis for their actions is their sense of identity or lack thereof.
The fact that Willy is so set on achieving the “American Dream” regardless of what it may cost is due to his lack of security in himself. He constantly feels useless in his family which is perhaps why he constantly tries to commit suicide. On the other hand, Biff is well aware of who he is and what he wants in life. He can admit that his dads expectations of him have made him an unhappy person. He struggles to decide whether to please himself or his father’s wishes. It is important to note that, Biff reminds us that the American Dream is not every man's dream. Rather than seeking money and success, Biff wants a more basic life. He wants to be seen and loved for who he is, not for who he appears to be. In the end, Willy manages to commit suicide and leaves his children and wife due to his selfish
actions. The concept of selfishness vs. selflessness doesn’t always end well. Willy demonstrated selfish actions by instilling dreams and expectations of his sons that they didn’t want. He constantly tried living the life he wanted through them, and when he realized it wasn’t working out his way, he decided to end his life. Biff on the other hand, portrayed a selfless man because though he knew what he wanted for his life and who he was, he let his father’s expectations restrain him throughout his life. They both had their flaws in identity. One was too insecure and the other not assertive enough. Regardless they were both left “chasing the wind”, trying to achieve things that were unachievable or unattainable in their respective circumstances.