1. Constantly pursuing the "American Dream":
Willy's obsession with the idea of the "American Dream" and his repeated advice to his sons, Biff and Happy, to "be liked" and "be big" creates unrealistic expectations and leads to their frustration and disappointment. He encourages them to seek success and popularity, but they struggle to meet those expectations, causing them to feel like failures.
2. Overemphasis on Appearance and Material Possessions:
Willy places great importance on outward appearances and material possessions. He advises his sons to "dress to kill" and to always "make a good impression." This emphasis on superficiality leads Biff and Happy to prioritize material success and status over meaningful and fulfilling pursuits.
3. Lack of Practical Advice:
Willy's advice to his sons is often impractical and unrealistic. Instead of providing them with guidance based on his own experiences or offering valuable life lessons, he often resorts to empty platitudes and clichés, such as "Don't be afraid to ask for what you want" or "You can't cheat fate." This lack of practical guidance hinders Biff and Happy's ability to make sound decisions and navigate the challenges of life.
4. Denial and Self-Deception:
Willy's downfall is also influenced by his refusal to face reality and his tendency to deceive himself. He clings to illusions and avoids confronting his failures and shortcomings. His advice to his sons often reflects this self-deception, preventing them from seeing the truth about themselves and their situations.
5. Failing to Learn from Past Mistakes:
Despite facing repeated setbacks and failures, Willy fails to learn from his mistakes. He continues to make the same poor decisions and offer the same misguided advice to his sons. This inability to adapt and change ultimately contributes to his downfall and the destruction of his family.
In summary, Willy's misguided advice, unrealistic expectations, and denial of reality contribute to his downfall in the play "Death of a Salesman." His influence on his sons and his inability to provide meaningful guidance have tragic consequences for them all.