American Dream

What is the American Dream? Seeing the American dream through the eyes of others in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. To prepare for our discussion, please read:
• Miller, A. (1949). Death of a Salesman (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. [PDF, File Size 1316 KB] ACT I. Retrieved from: http://www.pelister.org/literature/ArthurMiller/Miller_Salesman.pdf
• Bradford, W. (2016). “The American Dream in ‘Death of a Salesman (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..’” About Education. Retrieved from: https://www.thoughtco.com/the-american-dream-in-death-of-a-salesman-2713536
As you read the first act of the play and Bradford’s article, think about the following questions:

1. How would you define the “American Dream”?
2. How do you think the play’s protagonist, Willy Loman, would define the “American Dream”?
3. How would Willy’s sons define the “American Dream”?
4. What values do you see Willy trying to instill in his sons?
5. Based on your reading of the first act in Death of a Salesman, what do you think the dramatist, Arthur Miller, could be saying about the “American Dream” and/or American values?
6. What lines from Act I could you use to support your responses on questions 2 through 5?
   Wade Bradford, in his “American Dream” article about Miller’s Death of a Salesman, states:
   “It has often been said that Death of a Salesman is a harsh criticism of the American Dream. However, it may be that Miller wanted to clarify our definition: What is the American Dream? The answer depends on which character you ask.”

In an initial response of no less than 250 words, respond to the following question:
Describe your reaction to the first act in Death of a Salesman, sharing your thoughts on what it means to pursue the “American Dream” and what the play could be saying about pursuing some version of the “American Dream,” using at least two (2) quotes from a character to illustrate and support your points. Explain your answer.