Willy Loman’s pride is one of the reasons he is considered a tragic figure. Arthur Miller’s ability to construct the theme pride around Willy is evident. The same pride theme is used to establish smaller themes as well, including legacy, change, or identity. In Death Of A Salesman, pride can be used to deceive oneself or as a form of coping. Willy Loman appears to be very proud despite his lack of pride being based in reality. Steven Centola demonstrates pride through Willy’s denial of the reality of his situation and his unwillingness to accept the change in society and himself. In both works, Willy’s false pride is evident in his decision-making. It is his unjustified pride that prevents Willy from learning from mistakes and changes occurring around him.
Willy may be a dreamer and that is good, but his arrogance comes from his belief in them. His dreams are pristine and perfect, free from defects. There is nothing he can do to change the way he feels about his country or dreams. The truth is, he won’t ever remove any introspection and reflection from his life in order to see it as it really is. His pride is based on this state. He will never have the courage to question his own beliefs or dreams. Linda was the one with whom he had a discussion about Biff. His belief that the American Dream is superior is evident. Willy believes that there’s nothing wrong with America. He is proud of the country, believing it to be “the best in the world” and full of “beautiful people and beautiful towns (Miller 126)”.
Willy’s financial situation is not good at all. Willy’s unrelenting sense of pride is a way for him to cope with his financial situation. Willy is unable to see reality because of this false sense. It doesn’t matter if he ignored reality out of ignorance or if he consciously chose to do so, Willy’s false senses of pride led him down. It is worse that he transfers his pride delusions to innocent people. In Centola 31, he describes how Willy fails to realize the foolishness of his dreams and passes on his confusion and dream to Biff, Happy and others.
Willy has a false sense of pride where he believes that he will be successful and dresses accordingly. Willy believes in his own self-importance and is convinced he will succeed. He dresses to the occasion (Centola 25). He is so proud of his family that he dismisses manual labor, claiming it does not translate into success. Biff challenged him, saying that their current situation made them carpenters. Willy declares with arrogance that even his grandfather is better than a woodworker. “Go back to West!” Be a Carpenter, a Cowboy and Enjoy Yourself!” (Miller 224). He is too prideful to accept his financial inferiority and the fact he can alter his destiny through manual work. He accepts a job from Charley, whom he considers to be his inferior. He accepts loans he can’t pay. He comes out with a false feeling of pride when he really has nothing to boast about.
Willy believes that he’s a good businessman, and a good father because of his false sense pride. His pride may blind him to his current situation, even though he has been successful before. To him, his dreams are meaningless and he believes he has been destined to be successful. He does not accept that his sales career and fatherhood are failing. He chooses to feel proud when there is nothing to be. This false pride is ultimately what leads to the end of his career.