Abstract: The thesis aims to seek the embodiment and disillusionment of the American Dream in the Death of a Salesman. Circling around the death of Loman, the main character in Death of a Salesman, this thesis analyses the influence of the American dream on him, pointing out that Loman is tormented by the American dream. The process of his defeat is actually the course of the disillusionment of his American dream. It holds that the tragedy of the insignificant individual must be the tragedy of the whole society. The tragedy of Willy Loman may be considered as a tragedy of an individual, of a family, and of American society as well.
Key words: Death of a Salesman；American Dream；embodiment; disillusionment
摘要：本文旨在探索“美国梦”在戏剧《推销员之死》的体现以及“美国梦”幻灭的原因，围绕《推销员之死》中主要人物洛曼之死,剖析了美国梦对他的种种影响,指出洛曼是为美国梦所累,他走向失败的过程正是他的美国梦逐步破灭的过程。文章认为小人物的悲剧实际上是整个社会的悲剧。主人公洛曼的命运悲剧不仅是其个人的悲剧，也是家庭关系的悲剧，更是美国社会的悲剧。
关键词:《推销员之死》；美国梦;体现；幻灭
Death of a Salesman presents a fable that defines the myth of the American dream. Therefore the tragedy of the insignificant individual must be the tragedy of the whole society. The money-oriented society and Willy’s low social status are the social evils for his tragedy. On the other hand, Willy is described as a character of insecurity, stubborn, and unknown identity. He firmly believe that one should be well-liked to be successful, however, his beliefs on life and society turned out to be wrong. In addition, Willy showed himself to be a man who could not face the reality. He is a man who is lost in the past and his mind is always tortured by the hopes and dreams he had years ago. All of these are the causes of the disillusionment of American dream in the play.
