Willy’s interpretation of self-fulfillment is one that can be compared with the American dream. The American dream can be stated as the idea and principle that any given individual can secure …show more content…
He made himself blind to the many parts of his life where he didn't need selling to be truly happy and self-fulfilled. An obvious example is Willy’s love and sense of accomplishment when he is working with his hands (building). “I’d build a little guest house. Cause I got so many fine tools, all I’d need would be a little lumber and some peace of mind.” - page 50, and his feeling of accomplishment in building the front stoop : Biff stated “You know something, Charley, there’s more of him in that front stoop than in all the sales he ever made,” to which Charlie replied , “Yeah. He was a happy man with a batch of cement.”. - page 102. He also mentioned the ceiling he put up 4 times throughout the play and he also takes much pride in all the renovation he did in the house “All the cement, the lumber, the reconstruction I put in this house! There ain’t a crack to be found in it anymore.” - page 51. Another huge part of his life which he fails to recognize and or build on is his love for the outdoors and nature. Examples such as “I was even observing the scenery. You can imagine, me looking at scenery, on the road every week of my life. But it’s so beautiful up there, Linda, the trees are so thick, and the sun is warm. I opened the windshield and just let the warm air bathe over me.” - page 5 , and “Remember those two beautiful elm trees out there?” - …show more content…
His career in selling never stayed at its peak for long because as we concluded before, selling was something that didn't make him truly happy although it didn't make him happy, he kept his job in selling in hopes of reaching the self-fulfillment that Dave Singleman supposedly reached at the age of 84. Willy kept going from city to city but harsh realities started to show. Not being able to drive: “I suddenly couldn’t drive any more. The car kept going off onto the shoulder, y’know?”, “No, it’s me, it’s me. Suddenly I realize I’m goin’ sixty miles an hour and I don’t remember the last five minutes. I’m — I can’t seem to — keep my mind to it.” - Both quotes found on page 4. Having trouble paying all the bills and owning items which always break: “A hundred and twenty dollars! My God, if business don’t pick up I don’t know what I’m gonna do!” - Page 22, and “Once in my life I would like to own something outright before it’s broken! I’m always in a race with the junkyard!” - page 50. Not being able to buy his wife stockings and having to go from city to city with those heavy cases and only making $70- $100 a week while others are making much more from the comfort of an office: Linda stated that “But you’re doing wonderful, dear. You’re making seventy to a hundred dollars a week.” to which Willy responded “But I gotta be at it ten, twelve hours a day. Other men — I don’t know — they do