Here's how his hamartia manifests:
* Delusional self-perception: Willy sees himself as a successful salesman, despite evidence to the contrary. He clings to past successes, ignoring his current struggles and financial instability.
* False values: He values material wealth and popularity over genuine human connection and personal fulfillment. This leads him to prioritize superficial achievements over his family's well-being.
* Denial of his limitations: He refuses to acknowledge that he's no longer the "big man" he once was. This denial fuels his desperation and ultimately leads to his downfall.
* Living in the past: Willy constantly reminisces about his "golden days," which ironically contributed to his downfall. He fails to adapt to the changing world and its demands.
* Self-sabotaging behavior: Willy's pursuit of an impossible dream leads to reckless and self-destructive actions, such as his affair and his eventual suicide.
His hamartia is not a single flaw but a complex web of misconceptions and self-deception that ultimately leads to his tragic end. It serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of clinging to unrealistic dreams and ignoring the realities of life.