the "Salieri Theory"

In our class discussion of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, the idea came across the table -I’m pretty sure from Beller (to give credit where it is due)- that Willy’s struggle and eventual loss of a connection with reality could stem from his failure to accept mediocrity. This theory, which was quickly named the “Salieri theory” by Mr. Coon, is shown to be plausible by the actions and dialogue in the story and could, in fact, explain the majority of Willy’s failings.

First off, any feeling of unease from mediocrity would have to grow out of high expectations. These expectations can be easily explained through the character of Willy’s brother, Ben. Through dialogue, it is apparent that Willy idolizes his brother and constantly asks for his opinion and seeks his approval through the raising of his son Biff. This idolization is dangerous for Willy; however, since he believes that he can use the same strategies of wishful thinking and personality to gain success in the business world, as his brother did under highly unusual circumstances in Alaska. As Willy starts to fail in the business world, he attempts to keep his sprits up by exaggerating his sales and making himself seem greater than he is in order to give off a supernatural-aura while at home. Linda, being a caring wife, plays along with the charade and their children grow up revering their father. But Willy does not fool himself, and therefore attempts to live vicariously through his son Biff. This venture, however, is doomed to fail because Willy instills many of the same values that he has into his son without giving him any discipline or diversity. Even when Biff seems to be destined for great things, his lack of any value for education begins to hold him down though Willy himself deals the final blow that destroys Biff’s path to success. When Biff goes looking for his father’s guidance and finds him with the woman, Willy’s illusion shatters. Biff no longer looks up to his father and sees him for what he really is: human. It is at this point that Willy faces his failings and begins to lose his connection with the real world since he cannot accept them. This self destruction continues until Willy sees his final opportunity to be great. As Biff confronts Willy and breaks down, Willy realizes that his son still loves him and that he can give him the means to become successful if he dies and leaves his children money. In creating a legacy, Willy thinks that he can escape mediocrity by being the catalyst of something great: the success of his sons. However, this ending is left bitter since Hap decides that he will continue his father’s real legacy and attempt to create something out of nothing by attempting to become something great in the same manner his father did (481).