Here's how his "reversal" plays out:
* Early Life Dreams: Willy initially believed in the American Dream, a life of success and wealth built on charisma and personal connection. He projected these aspirations onto his sons, Biff and Happy.
* Reality Bites: As Willy ages, he realizes his dreams never materialized. He's trapped in a dead-end job, struggling to make ends meet, and feels like a failure. His attempts to achieve success, like selling his wares and trying to maintain a facade of happiness, are constantly thwarted.
* Internal Collapse: The play focuses on Willy's mental and emotional decline. His self-esteem crumbles, and he becomes increasingly desperate and delusional. He clings to past glories, tries to manipulate situations, and becomes increasingly isolated. His inability to accept his failures and adjust his expectations leads to self-destruction.
* Tragic End: The final act sees Willy's mental state completely unravel. He decides to end his life, believing that his death will bring financial security for his family. However, his act is ultimately futile, leaving his family devastated and with a deeper understanding of his struggles.
So, Willy Loman's downfall isn't a traditional reversal of fortune where wealth and success are lost. It's a slow, agonizing decline of his dreams, his self-worth, and ultimately, his sanity. His tragic end is a consequence of his inability to confront his failures and accept the reality of his life.