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.