Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" centers on Willy Loman's conflicts with his family and life in general. Loman is a 60-year-old salesman who makes an income wholly based on commission. He often believes that he can become as famous and wealthy as his older brother Ben and another salesman named Dave Singleman. The constant conflict between illusion and reality creates a sense of despair in Loman along with his frequent thoughts about the past. Willy Loman is ultimately motivated by the need to be proud, popular, and wealthy.

In the past, Willy Loman was a successful businessman and known throughout the Northeast area. However, his boss died and was succeeded by Howard Wagner, the boss's son. The older Wagner had planned for Loman to be a supervisor/manager as Loman stated, "If old man Wagner was alive I'd a been in charge of New York now!" (Miller...