White picket fences, big management jobs and 2.5 kids, everyone imagines their ideal lifestyle differently. The play Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, the short story Secret Life of Walter Mitty by James Thurber and the trailer for the 2013 adaptation are all examples that reveal the different aspects of what to do to realize the American dream. Living the perfect American dream can often be impossible, due to the many fantasies and goals required to acquire it. Throughout the play Death of a Salesman, the protagonist Willy sets standards for himself and his family, believing that to have it all, one must cheat. Living in the Loman household, Happy, the eldest son, has adapted to the idea of ​​cheating to get ahead. In order to live up to his father's expectations and have the life he wants, Happy believes it is essential to become responsible for the goods. Sitting in their old room, Happy explains to Biff how he plans to achieve this goal: “Sure, the guy's running for vice president of the store. I don't know what's happening to me, maybe I'm just overly competitive or something, but I went and ruined it, plus I can't get rid of it. 'She. And this is the third executive I've done this to. Isn't that a lousy feature? And to top it off, I'm going to their weddings! Like I'm not supposed to take bribes. Manufacturers occasionally give me a hundred dollar bill for placing an order with them. You know how honest I am, but it's like this girl, you see. I hate myself for that. Because I don't want the girl, and 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 he's a damn fool. Willy: No, no, he shouldn't. I won't have that! He is broken and hopeless (Miller 127). Despite the scandalous plan, Ben tries to reason with Willy by telling him that his sons will not be grateful for the way they received the money. Additionally, Ben brings up the fact that he will get caught trying to cheat the insurance company. For a man like Willy Loman, cheating was never a resolution he could count on. Willy doesn't care that cheating is wrong, as long as his sons are able to start the business and make something of themselves. He taught himself and his family that if you cheat you can move forward faster. The short story "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and the trailer for the 2013 adaptation depict a character who seeks to feel more important, taking on the roles of others.