The Worth of a Man?

When Charley told Willy “…all we have in the world is what we sell…” I believe he was trying to make Willy understand that all a man has is his job and what he does. I think because in the 1940’s men were very defined by their jobs and what they did for a living. Charley was telling Willy if he wasn't selling then his life didn't matter. He was trying to point out that he was a failure. Willy was so worried about being successful and having his son’s amount to something, but he wasn't even willing to look for another job. Charley was offering him a job and Willy was too proud to take it. Willy had spent his entire life wanting his dream and never took the time to realize that his job, the center of his dream, was a big reason for his dream failing. I think to a certain extent men are still judged by their job and how much money they make. I do; however, feel that the role of the husband/father in the family has changed somewhat since 1940. I know that my husband is a lot more involved with our kids than my dad ever was. It can also be very hard for a man to be judged by his job or paycheck in the economical times we are having now. There are so many men that are making less than they used to or don't have a job at all. This is making it impossible for them to provide for their families financially. They just need to know that there is so much more than money that they provide. They can still give support, acceptance, understanding, and love. These things, in the long run, are much more important than the nicest clothes, newest car, or biggest house.

Death of a Sal

    
After reading the first act of "The Death of a Salesman" I knew exactly who I would cast in the roles of the two brothers. I feel that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck would do an excellent job of portraying these characters. The physical description of the brothers fits these two gentlemen to a tee. They are both strong and good-looking. I would love to see Ben Affleck play Biff. Ben could portray the character that was an all star in high school, the popular jock, and ladies man that just didn't seem to measure up after high school. He knows he wants to move out west and find a job on a ranch; however this is far from the life his dad wants for him. Matt Damon would do a wonderful job expressing the attitude of Happy. Even though, Happy is anything but, Matt would be able to show the many layers of this son. He lived in his brother's shadow all through high school and now that Biff has lost his way Happy's mediocre life has put him on top for a change. Neither of the men has lived up to their father's expectations for them. This has left both of the brothers with some major character flaws. Biff keeps taking things from the jobs he is working and Happy is too forceful with the ladies, and also has no morals when it comes to his relationships.
     After giving it some thought, I realized that the reason I liked Matt Damon for the role was in part because of outstanding job he did with his character in "Good Will Hunting". So it only makes sense that Robin Williams play his father. Robin Williams is best known for his comedy acting; however, he is an amazing dramatic actor also. Robin would be able to dwell deep into the depths of the father and what compels him to be the man he is. His strong desire to be successful and how that desire has lead him to lie to his family and cheat on his wife and has made his children feel like failures; even though he hasn’t achieved that success either.

     The role of the mother will be cast with Diane Keaton. She is a strong female and will be able to share with the audience not only the old fashion side of the wife that takes care of her husband, house, and children. She will also be able to show the strong silent side that knows that the husband is not telling her the truth about his sales number, but doesn't make him feel like less of a man. She does just the opposite and tells him that he is a wonderful provider, while staying strong for the family. Diane would be able to show that Linda is actually stronger than Willy.

The American Dream

What is the American Dream anyways? It used to be a family: a husband, a wife, two kids, a dog, and a white picket fence. Oh and the picket fence was in front of the family home. The home filled with home cooked meals and happy laughter. Now the families are broken the kids are fighting and the home is being foreclosed. So what is the dream about today? I believe the dream is still to love someone and to be loved. I believe the dream is to be successful; however that success can be different for each person. I know I have my dream. I have a husband that I love and who loves me and I have four wounderful children. We even have the dog. The house and the success part we are still working on. I think I may be crazy to go to college at my age, but it is something that I always wondered if I could do and so now I am trying. So far I have enjoyed it and the time is flying, but so is my life and sometimes i feel as if I will be ready to retire by the time I graduate. Well I really feel like to achieve the dream we have to come to a point where we are happy with what we have and the journey we are on and realize we are not just waiting on the end.