The story follows Willy, a 63-year-old man who has dedicated his life to sales, driven by the belief that success and popularity are the keys to happiness. However, despite his efforts, he remains unsuccessful, and his deteriorating mental state begins to take a toll on his family and his relationships.
Willy's sons, Biff and Happy, have also internalized their father's values and are struggling to find their own paths. Biff, a former high school football star, feels stifled by his lack of success and direction in life, while Happy, a womanizer and underachiever, constantly seeks approval from his father and peers.
As Willy becomes increasingly unhinged by his failures and the realization of his mortality, he begins to experience vivid flashbacks and hallucinations that transport him to his past. These flashbacks reveal his complex relationships with his wife Linda, his sons, and his brother Ben, a successful businessman who represents the unattainable ideal of success.
The play builds towards a tragic climax when Willy's delusions intensify, leading him to make a drastic decision that casts a shadow over his family's future. Through the character of Willy Loman, Miller exposes the dark side of the American Dream and the destructive forces that shape the lives of ordinary individuals.
"Death of a Salesman" is a moving and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, critiquing society's relentless pursuit of material success at the expense of personal fulfillment and inner peace. It remains a timeless classic in American literature and continues to resonate with audiences around the world.