Arguments for Willy being noble:
* He loves his family deeply: Despite his flaws, Willy truly loves his wife and sons. He wants the best for them and sacrifices much for their well-being.
* He strives for the American Dream: Even though his pursuit is misguided and ultimately leads to tragedy, his desire to be successful and provide for his family is rooted in a desire for a better life, a common aspiration in American culture.
* He is a victim of societal pressures: Willy is a product of his time and the pressures of a materialistic society that values success and appearances above all else. He is also struggling with age and a sense of obsolescence, which exacerbates his anxieties.
Arguments against Willy being noble:
* He is self-deluded: Willy clings to a romanticized version of the past and fails to acknowledge his own shortcomings. This delusion leads to his self-destruction.
* He is manipulative and dishonest: He lies about his achievements and manipulates others to gain their approval. This undermines his relationships and ultimately leads to his downfall.
* He is a bad father: Willy's expectations and actions damage his sons' self-esteem and lead them down a path of disillusionment. He projects his own failures onto them, perpetuating a cycle of disappointment.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, whether Willy Loman is a noble character is a matter of interpretation. His flaws are significant and have devastating consequences, but he also displays moments of genuine love and good intentions. Arthur Miller's intention was to create a complex and tragic character who embodies both the aspirations and the pitfalls of the American Dream. Willy's nobility is therefore a question of perspective and the weight you give to his various qualities.