Willy Loman and King Lear as Tragic characters cont.

King Lear lived in a disillusioned state all the while thinking that he was loved. It is tragic because he was 'looking for love in all the wrong places'. Only in the end when it was too late did he recognise his mistake.
Willy Loman on the other hand was disillusioned by his quest for money and prestige. Willy believed so much in his dream that he constantly lived in a 'fairy tale world'. Just as Lear was stubborn about his beliefs so was Willy. In the end Willy too died but in his case he died without ever seeing the error of his ways.

Father - Son Relationship in Death of a Salesman; Willy Loman and Sons

In the book Death of a Salesman the main character, Willy Loman, is the father of two boys, Biff and Happy. His relationship with the boys is 'colorful' throughout the book and many times offers insight into his life. As is human custom favouritism plays a big part in the relationship between Willy Loman and his two sons. It is an unhidden fact that Willy is quite much more appreciative of Biff than he is of Happy, this is seen in almost every scene in which the three are present. The usual things are Biff being praised and lauded about doing well in a sports arena and Happy being chastised for menial things such as his weight. Due to the treatment one may not be far-off in saying that Biff and Happy's type of relationships with their father were results of his behaviour towards them. For instance, Biff who was his father's favourite embraced and upheld his father's vision of "The American Dream" and hung to every word his father spoke believing them completely. Happy on the other hand, was not so captivated by his father's ideologies, instead prefering to think things through for himself.
According to the development of the book the boys are seem to be respectful of their father, as seen in how they react to his commands much more quickly than their mother's.
In the end the relationships totally breakdown along with their respect for their father, when his infidelity is discovered.

Willy Loman and King Lear as Tragic Characters

In the novel 'Death of a Salesman' and the Shakespearean play 'King Lear', the two main characters are very much alike. The similiarities vary but one which can be agreed upon by all is that Willy Loman and King Lear are two Tragic Characters. The tragic flaws these two exhibit are pretty much the same. These two men, these two fathers were blinded by themselves. King Lear was blinded by want for love whereas Williy Loman was blinded by want for prestige.
In King Lear's case he put all his hopes on the two daughters who did not truly love him, while disinheriting the daughter who truly did love him.