write about the definition of the american dream in american literature focusing on miller's Death of a Salesman.

The American Dream is the concept that any person living
in or immigrating to the United States has the opportunity to be anything or do anything
he wants to further his education, wealth and standard of living.  The "land of
opportunity" does not discriminate and provides more chances for people to earn a living
and to become successful than their previous situations.

In
Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman has not achieved the American
Dream.  At 60, he is still struggling financially and deluding himself with ideas that
he is "vital" to his company and that his sons still have a chance to achieve greatnes. 
In contrast, his neighbor Charley, has succeeded by remaining firmly rooted in reality. 
His son, Bernard, once teased by Willy and Biff, has grown to be a lawyer who will be
arguing in front the Supreme Court. 

Willy can be compared
to his brother as well.  Ben has also achieved the American dream, and on a greater
level.  His business enterprises in Alaska and Africa have made him unbelievable
wealthy.  Willy is tormented by the idea that he missed his chance to join Ben. 
Seemingly this has affected his whole life in that Willy has never owned up to his own
shortcomings, and as a result, has failed to succeed himself or to instill a work ethic
in his sons.