Death of a Salesman “He believes that salesmanship is based on ‘sterling traits of character’ and ‘a pleasing personality.’ But Willy does not have the requisite sterling traits of character; people simply do not like him as much as he thinks is necessary for success.” Ben symbolizes another kind of successful American Dream for Willy: to catch opportunity, to conquer nature, and to gain a fortune. His mantra goes: “Why, boys, when I was seventeen I walked into the jungle, and when I was twenty-one I walked out. (He laughs.) And by God I was rich.” After seeing his father's real identity, Biff does
Birth of a Salesman Birth of a Salesman "Birth of a Salesman" is a short story by P. G. Wodehouse, which first appeared in the United States in the 26 March 1950 issue of "This Week" magazine. Part of the "Blandings Castle" canon, it features the absent-minded peer Lord Emsworth, and was included in the collection "Nothing Serious" (1950). The story's title is a play on "Death of a Salesman", the now-classic stageplay by Arthur Miller, which had won a Pulitzer Prize the previous year. Lord Emsworth is visiting America for the wedding of his niece Veronica to millionaire Tipton Plimsoll. With currency restrictions