Topic > Factors in Willy Loman's Downfall

There are several reasons that can lead to a character's collapse. For example, Willy Loman dreams of having a lucky life, but unfortunately he fails to work as a traveling salesman all his life. Psychoanalytic theory is evident in Willy's behavior. It is evident that Willy's life is nonchalantly falling apart over time, yet Willy is blind to this. The blame for the downfall of the character Willy in Death of a Salesman can be placed on Willy himself. It is his own actions, such as lack of responsibility, creating a facade of himself to appear superior, and his pride that lead to his lack of success and suicide. Some things, such as the past trauma he experienced due to the lack of a father figure, are external factors that he cannot control and that lead to his destruction. It is more obvious, however, that he blames himself. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayWilly takes no personal responsibility in his actions and always tries to criticize some factors beyond his control. Often succumbs to violent tendencies as a method of seeking internal affirmation, pleasure, or pride. Despite his apparent failure to achieve his successful life goals, Willy clings to his belief in the American dream and the promise that anyone who is attractive and loved will make it far. His life is full of self-deception and he tries to survive through his reluctant son Biff. This is shown when Biff discovers Willy's lies when he discovers that he cheated on Linda. Willy chose to alienate his son, rather than face reality and defend his actions:WILLY: You don't want to be anything?BIFF: Dad, how can I go back?WILLY: You don't want to be anything, is that what's behind it? WILLY - Are you spitting on me? BIFF - Don't take it that way! Curse! WILLY (hits Biff and staggers away from the table) You louse! Are you spitting on me? Willy recognizes Biff's business failure as a personal betrayal, an attempt to discipline him for his previous romance. Psychoanalytic theory can be applied here through Willy's guilt over his affair which led him to make many irrational and harmful decisions, which affect his son. Willy begins to doubt himself as a “wonder child” and begins to assume that this is what his lying father made him believe. Their relationship becomes dysfunctional and they both act like strangers and Biff does not go to his father for reconciliation to move forward. Throughout the novel, it is evident that Willy creates a veneer of himself to appear superior to those around him. For example, at times, Willy tries to persuade others to believe that he earns more money than he actually earns. Furthermore, when Willy talks to Linda about his financial situation, he states, “Well, I - I made - about a hundred and eighty gross in Providence. Well no - it was - about two hundred gross for the whole trip”. Furthermore, this quote reveals how Willy creates an impression of himself to make Linda believe he is more than he sets himself out to be due to the fact that he doesn't actually make as much money as he says he did, which goes to show him trying to create a facade around himself. The reason why Willy lies about his earnings is because he wants to be known as a higher and better achiever than his neighbor, Charley. This makes Willy feel more comfortable and at ease. Furthermore, it is evident that Willy is lying in this specific quote because he seems very skeptical and agitated by pausing when talking about his financial situation. It is proven that Willy.