The Power of Dishonesty - Theme in Death of a Salesman

1. Willy is characterized as dishonest AND mentally insane

1.1. The author establishes Willy as the only character with a mental illness. She also makes his main character flaw dishonesty.

1.1.1. This may be to make the point that dishonesty will end up getting back to you through karma, like how Willy's relationships are failing.

2. By Emily Petro

3. Willy cheating on his wife negatively impacts his relationships

3.1. When Biff catches Willy cheating on his mother, he loses trust in his father and gives up his want to pass math because his family morals have been corrupted.

3.1.1. Willy getting caught makes Willy hostile towards Biff and paranoid that he will tell Linda. Puts a tension on their relationship

4. Willy has been lying to himself- causes his metal health to disintegrate

4.1. Willy lied to himself that his sons were very successful growing up and that all they needed was a good personality to make money

4.1.1. This caused Biff to fail math and not take grades seriously

4.2. Willy tells himself that his coworkers all laugh at him. This drives him insane and makes him self-conscious at work and at home.