Here are some examples illustrating this motif in the play:
1. The Pipe Dream of Success: Willy is fixated on achieving financial success and social recognition, but his pursuit is unrealistic and based on empty promises. He believes he is one big sale away from securing his dreams, despite his lack of genuine talent or work ethic.
2. Delusions of Grandeur: Willy harbors delusions of grandeur about his past accomplishments and his sons' potential. He boasts about his imaginary business connections and expects his sons to inherit his "greatness" without putting in any effort.
3. Misread Reality: Willy's interactions with others are often distorted by his delusions. He misreads Biff's disappointment as respect and fails to recognize the truth about his relationships.
4. Imaginary Conversations: Willy frequently engages in conversations with his dead brother Ben, who only exists in his imagination. He seeks guidance and validation from Ben, further emphasizing his disconnect from reality.
5. Illusory Flashbacks: Willy experiences vivid flashbacks to his past, where he glorifies his relationships with his sons and wife, but these memories are often idealized and distorted.
6. The Rubber Hose Incident: Willy's attempt to fix a broken hose symbolizes his failed attempt to repair his life and escape the cycle of entrapment.
Willy's entrapment in his illusions leads to his tragic downfall, as he can't confront the truth about his life. The motif of entrapment and illusion in Death of a Salesman reinforces the idea that self-deception can have destructive consequences and highlights the importance of acknowledging reality to find true fulfillment.