Success is a term with many endless definitions. To one it may regard the amount of money one has, to another it may measure the wealth in friends and family. In Death of A Salesman, we are presented with three characters Willy Loman, Charley and Ben, each with their own meaning of success; it is evident through the actions and words expressed that their perspectives on success have impacted their life circumstances.
Willy Loman is a man that struggles to reach his definition of success due to his failure to realize the truth and realities of his life. Willy is a man that believes that in order to get ahead in life, one must be "well-liked" and "personally attractive," it is this type of person that Willy believes will be able to acquire success. To Willy, it is also important that his sons, mainly Biff become successful. He passes onto Biff his definition of success. On page 33, Willy states, "Because the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead. Be liked and you will never want. You take me, for instance. I never have to wait in line to see a buyer." Though Willy’s belief that being well-liked is the main path to success, he lies to himself and others which prevents him from realizing the truth and in turn from his grasp to success. Willy constantly refers to his brother Ben, a very rich man; it was Ben’s life that Willy desired for himself as well as his sons. Success to Willy also related to Dave Singleman, a man he admired for being well-liked and respected by many other businessmen. Willy’s inability to come to terms with his failures as well as his sons is the main reason Willy creates lies or looks back at his memories, times where he felt needed and successful. Willy is disappointed to learn of Biff’s situation, he’s surprised that Bernard got ahead of his son because Biff was attractive and well-liked in school; as he says on page 16, "Biff Loman is lost. In the greatest...