From white picket fences, to big executive jobs, and 2 1/2 kids, everyone imagines their perfect lifestyle differently. The play Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, the short story The Secret Life of Walter Mitty by James Thurber, and the film trailer for the 2013 adaptation are all examples that reveal different aspects of what is needed to realize the American dream. Living the perfect American dream can often be impossible, due to the many fantasies and expansive goals needed to acquire it. Through the play Death of a Salesman, the protagonist Willy sets standards for himself and his family, believing that to have everything one must cheat their way. Living in the Loman family, Happy, the eldest son, has adapted to the idea of ​​cheating to get ahead. To live up to his father's expectations and have the life he wants, Happy believes that becoming the merchandise manager is essential. Sitting in their old bedroom Happy explains to Biff how he plans to achieve this: “Sure, the guy's in line for vice president of the store. I don't know what's wrong with me, maybe I just have an overdeveloped sense of competition or something, but I've gone and ruined her, and I also can't get rid of her. And he's the third manager I've done something like this to. Isn't that a lame feature? And as if that wasn't enough, I go to their weddings! Like I shouldn't take bribes. Manufacturers occasionally offer me a hundred dollar bill to place an order. You know how honest I am, but she's like this girl, you see. I hate myself for this. Because I don't want the girl, yet I take her and... I love her!" (Miller 25). Happy thinks that by sleeping with another employee's wife/girlfriend... middle of paper... Willy: No , that would be terribleBen: Yes. And a damn idiot.Willy: No, no, I won't accept it! He's broken and desperate (Miller 127). they will be grateful to him for how they received the money. Furthermore, Ben raises the point that he will be caught trying to cheat the insurance company. For a man like Willy Loman, betrayal was never a solution he could not count on Willy doesn't care that cheating is wrong, as long as his children are able to start the business and make something of their own that by cheating you can get ahead faster Walter Mitty" and the film trailer for the 2013 adaptation portray a character trying to feel more important by taking on the roles of others.