In search of the American dream in The Death of a Salesman by Arthur MillerWhat is the American dream? Some believe in the 1950s ideal created by television. Successful children, perfect families, and a happy stay-at-home mom are all associated with this version. However, everyone knows that children do not always succeed, that there are arguments within the family and that not all mothers can be happy at home. Many families have been searching for the ideal American dream forever and never find one. These types of families are seen as failures. A family in this type of search is represented in Death of a Salesman through Willy, Linda and their sons. Willy Loman is the first character to represent the search for the American dream. First, Willy strongly believes in the American dream because of his brother Ben. "Well boys, when I was seventeen, I went into the jungle, and when I was twenty-one, I came out. And by God, I was rich." This quote from Ben forms the basis of Willy's beliefs for his family and for himself. With this understanding, Willy believes he will never need to search for anything; it would come to him. Then Willy instills this same belief in his sons. "Listen to this. This is your Uncle Ben, a great man! Tell my boys, Ben!" When Willy says this to Ben, he wants his boys to have the same thoughts about life as he does. But like their father, the two sons are led to believe that greatness will come to them. Ultimately, Willy never understands his search until the end of the play. “Wh-what’s the secret?” Willy asks this question to Bernard which shows that he is still looking for the key to the American dream. At the end of the play, Willy believes that the only answer to his family's success is through his death. Linda Loman is the next character to represent her search for the American dream. At first, Linda is looking for good family relationships. Once the big projects for the sporting goods store are completed, Linda's morale seems very good. Everyone in her family gets along well, so she is happy. These small benefits of happiness are enough to keep your dream alive. Linda then has a truer vision of her family's research. Comments such as "You're such a boy" and "He's a philandering bum" are a glimpse of what Linda sees in her sons..