Happy Loman's Unwavering Pursuit of the Dream

The arc of Happy Loman, who remains committed to the American Dream of success, wealth, and status, despite the emptiness it brings.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Shadow of Biff

Living in the Background The Younger Brother Happy was always in Biff's shadow. He was shorter, less athletic, but he compensated with charm and a relentless pursuit of women. He sought his father's approval, but it was always directed at Biff. The Need to Compete Happy developed a competitive streak, even with his brother. He seduced women engaged to executives, a pattern of sabotage. He needed to prove he was better than others. The Inherited Values Happy absorbed Willy's belief that being well-liked and successful were the highest goals. He never questioned the dream, even as it failed his father.

The Hollow Success

The Assistant to the Assistant The Job Happy works as an assistant to the assistant buyer in a department store. He is well-paid but hates his job. He dreams of becoming merchandise manager, but he knows he will be miserable if he gets it. The Lonely Apartment Happy has his own apartment, a car, and plenty of women, but he is lonely. He fills the emptiness with casual sex and empty conquests. He admits to Biff that he does not know what he is working for. The Fear of Failure Happy is afraid to admit that the dream is hollow. He clings to the idea of the Loman Brothers because it gives him a sense of purpose. He cannot face the possibility that his father's path was wrong.

The Pledge at the Grave

A Son's Vow The Refusal to Accept At the Requiem, Happy rejects Biff's view that Willy had the wrong dreams. He insists that Willy died for a good dream, and he will win it for him. The Continuation Happy vows to stay in New York and become number-one man. He will not be licked. His determination mirrors Willy's own stubbornness, suggesting a tragic repetition. The Unbroken Cycle Happy's final words are a declaration of the same values that destroyed his father. He is the heir to the illusion, and his future is likely to follow the same path.

High school years

Present day, early career

At the funeral