What Is Shelly Loman's Definition Of The American Dream

According to the Collins English Dictionary, the definition of the American Dream is the notion that the American social, economic, and political system makes success possible for every individual. Historically, the American dream meant the promise of land, freedom, and opportunity, offering the chance for great wealth, even if starting out penniless. Arthur Miller (Death of a Salesman) and David Mamet (Glengarry Glen Ross), although written during different time periods, both convey this theme in their plays. Two of the main characters from these plays Willy Loman and Shelly Levine suffer from their disenchantment of the American dream, for their dreams never become realized. A large part of Willy’s career took place during the depression through World War II and was intended to be a warning for
Also, like Willy, he seems to have consistently chosen values that would ultimately come to ruin him. Shelly’s dream is the attainment of prime leads in hopes of hitting the big time. The other leads are said to be worthless, due to the people not having a legitimate interest in purchasing land. The Glengarry Highlands, are the premium leads that every salesman fights over, and are only given to top salesmen who are most likely able to close on the deal. Only the most successful salesmen get the top leads, which Shelly needs in order to keep his job. Shelly “The Machine” describes his interpretation of the American dream while selling to a prospective buyer: ‘“You have to believe in yourself…What we have to do is admit to ourself that we see that opportunity…and take it. This is that thing that you’ve been dreaming of, you’re going to find that suitcase on the train, the guy comes in the door, the bag’s full of money.” (Mamet