Arthur Miller's play, Death of a Salesman, exposes the ostensible desirability of the American Dream as a mere facade. Instead of depicting the American Dream as providing hard-working Americans with an attainable goal, Miller portrays it more as a grand illusion that dehumanizes those who futilely pursue it. Interestingly enough, though, Miller does present the audience with one character who does not allow his "American Dream" to unravel his life--Bernard. Even though Bernard seems to embody all the success that comes with the Dream (especially to people like Willy), he would be the last person to even consider publicly mentioning his job as a renowned lawyer (Miller, 92). Bernard's modesty reaches all the way back into his childhood, when he is described as "...earnest and loyal, a worried boy" (39). Bernard's earnest side and his loyalty are what ultimately prepared him for his future success; by combining these two attributes with his cautious ("worried") streak, Bernard received the wealth of the Dream--but only as a byproduct. Rather, Bernard's "American Dream" more emphasizes the value of mastering the art of diligent, honest work (physical or academic). For instance, even though Bernard was one of Biff's biggest childhood fans (Kesey, 86), he risks angering Biff and Willy when he delivers the news about Biff's poor grades, advising Biff to "start studyin'" before wiping his glasses (Kesey, 39; 46). Bernard's characterization as a boring "nerd" far from the charismatic, "well liked," "clean-cut" reputation required to attain the American Dream may at first hinder him from achieving it. Ultimately, however, it amplifes his complex relationship to the Dream. Even though he lacks most of the social qualities needed to grasp the Dream, Bernard does not let this seeming setback disappoint him. He refuses to allow social norms and customs to curtail his natural talents (in Bernard's case, "book-knowledge"). Ironically enough, characters like Willy and Happy are willing to conform to whatever job society tasks them with, as long as they are promised an eventual piece of the Dream. In comparison to these disappointed characters, Bernard's unique "nerd-quirks" add a dimension of individuality to the way he pursues his American Dream. Bernard's tailoring of the pursuit of the American Dream to fit his special abilities is not a perversion of the Dream. Rather, Miller uses Bernard's approach to the Dream to show that adding individuality to the Dream is what inspires a person to fight harder for his or her goals. Therefore, Bernard's determination to apply his knowledge in a meaningful way draws him to his American Dream. Bernard's relationship to the American Dream is complex because his embrace of personal identity over wealth or legacy purifies and authenticates his ambition, which grants him the rare combination of financial riches and inner satisfaction.
Bernard's path to his American Dream helps illuminate the emptiness and dehumanization that the American Dream adored by Willy (and spurned by Miller) represents. As mentioned before, the complexity of Bernard's relationship to his American Dream lies in the individualistic way he pursues it. Therefore, when he finally does achieve success, he can also live with inner peace and esteem in his ability to work hard. Essentially, Bernard's American Dream is, like Biff's eventual Dream, Miller's theatrical/thematic rejection of the corrupted American Dream that Willy and Happy desire. However, Miller's overall endorsement of Bernard's American Dream is summed up with Willy's respect for it: "I'm--I'm overjoyed to see how you made the grade, Bernard, overjoyed. It's an encouraging thing to see a young man really--really...What--what's the secret?" (Miller, 90).
The current "American Dream" I see in society today revolves neither around hard work nor a tenacious pursuit of wealth alone. Rather, our postmodern society emphasizes the gain of wealth only as a tool in one's ultimate effort to please his or her self. America's emphasis on "freedom" has been horribly distorted, forcing it to fit the mold of "living in the moment" or for what one may feel is right for his or her self alone. Unfortunately, this selfish way of living has forced its way into what it means to be successful in American society. Traditional morals and cultural values are discarded because they are seen to hinder individual growth (whose definition has also changed--from a sense of spiritual and intellectual progression, to its current meaning--the freedom to practice whatever lifestyle one desires to live). In conclusion, the current American Dream is a mockery of what it means to be a successful person. Its emphasis on pleasing the self can only lead to a permanent cycle of discontent that will lead to social, economic and political chaos.
