Fences written by August Wilson and Death of a Salesman written by Arthur Miller are two plays that could be considered very different in terms of plot. The plots of both plays contain two very different cultural backgrounds that affect each protagonist differently. If the reader or audience looks beyond the plot, examining the theme and symbolism used, they can see that the works are more similar than different. Despite each protagonist's different cultural background, both are tragic heroes trying to achieve the American dream in relation to each character; both fail in drastic but similar ways. The American dream has always been an important factor in the lives of many Americans, as it is for Troy Maxson the protagonist of Fences and for Willy Loman the protagonist of Death of a Salesman. Willy Loman and Troy Maxson are both hard-working men from different cultural backgrounds, with striking similarities in how they try and fail to achieve the American dream of their era and ultimately die without earning the respect they both feel they should have. The protagonist of the comedy Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman, and the protagonist of the comedy Fences, Troy Maxson, are similar in the way both men chase an American dream. Willy Loman is an insecure, self-deluded salesman who believes that "working hard, being honest, and having ambition are the ways of the American dream" (Corruption of the "American Dream" In Death of A Salesman 124). Willy Loman also firmly believes in his misconception that the key to success is being “well-liked” and making money (Miller 1920). What Willy Loman doesn't take into account in his ideology on how to achieve the American dream is the value... at the center of the card..., of the wealth or love that they have worked so hard for all their lives. It is tragic that neither of them realized early enough that with the love and support of their families they had so blatantly refused to allow themselves to lead more productive lives. Works Cited Armstrong, Linda. The fences are ferociously powerful. New York Amsterdam News 101.18 (2010): 17. MasterFILE completed. Network. March 1, 2012. The Corruption of the American Dream in Death of a Salesman: A Thematic Analysis of Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. Intercultural Communication 6.3 (2010): 122-126. Academic research completed. Network. March 1, 2012.Miller, Arthur. Death of a salesman. Bedford's introduction to literature. 8th ed.Ed. Michael Mayer. Boston: Bedford, 2008. 1908-1972. Print.Wilson, August. Fences. Bedford's introduction to literature. 8th ed. Ed. Michael Mayer. Boston: Bedford, 2008. 2025-2072. Press.