In two of the best American pl…

In two of the best American plays, “Fences” and “Death of a Salesman”, the main protagonists share many of the same characteristics, while still differing greatly. Troy Maxson and Willy Loman (respectively) both attempt to achieve the American Dream along with the wealth and happiness that comes with it, but inevitably fail due to their own poor personalities and even worse decisions. These destructive choices are the primary reason that in both plays, neither character achieves any aspect of the American Dream. Both men’s over the top jealousy, pride, and insatiable wants make them unappealing and unworthy of any reader’s sympathy, no matter how pathetic their live are. Both protagonists are middle aged men who have cheated on their wives, showing their corrupt mentality.

However, Willy’s cheating was in the past while Troy’s cheating is current, and Troy even ends up consummating a child with his fellow adulterer.

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The men’s mentalities also wander onto death several times throughout the play. While Troy recounts his past near-death experiences after being provoked by his wife due to over the top drinking, Willy looks ahead to his own impending death and actually attempts suicide several times before achieving suicide for the insurance money for his family. Troy also attempts to provide money for his family, but in a less drastic way. He simply dedicates himself to work hard at his job, while forcing his son Cory to get a job as well instead of playing football, although physical force was required. Now, while both stories focused on a middle-aged father abusing his son and chasing the American Dream, Troy’s story also focused on a racial aspect of the time period. Troy notices that racial relations have become more positive since he was younger, but still uses racial problems as a scapegoat throughout the play.

When Cory wanted to play football, Troy used racism as a reason as to why the coach would never let Cory play, and forced Cory to get a job instead. Troy even goes as far as to make a stand against racism, badgering his white co-workers as to why black workers can’t drive the company trucks. Troy sees segregation in many of the problems he faces throughout the play and is not below calling racism when he sees it to get his way. The lack of sanity between the two men is vivid and appalling as well. Willy lives in his late life constantly jumping between reality and flashbacks of his past, reliving the moments with no attention to what is presently happening. He constantly recalls his brother, and the numerous job offers his brother had given him. These flashbacks allow the readers to see the level of regret Willy has with his life, and what he wishes he had done different to avoid his current situation.

Troy, on the other hand, is at the center of almost all conflicts, small or large. Troy places himself in a state of self-illusion whenever the choices of others differ from his own life choices. This difference in critical thinking and philosophical beliefs is what leads to most of Troy’s conflicts throughout the play, with his own experience with racism and life in prison being the leading factors in his cognitive processes.