The requiem scene in Death of a Salesman by Arthur MillerThe death of Willy Loman was remembered by few. He was mourned not for his tragic death but for his desperate life. The Requiem scene in Death of a Salesman depicts the poorly attended funeral of Willy, the tragic hero who fought to realize his vision of the American dream. This scene concludes the show because the audience realizes that only in death is Willy able to accept the failure and false success that have afflicted him and his family for years. Conflicts between Willy and his own disillusionment, Willy and his hopes for his boys, and Willy and his wife Linda's betrayal are resolved. Willy rejected a life of opportunity and became a salesman because of the promise outlined by the American Dream. . However, due to his inability to grasp reality, his life results in a succession of lies that unfold into devastating consequences. Willy does not understand that life requires more than good looks and a nice personality to be successful and it is this illusion that causes the lack of substance in his being. In the Requiem Biff states, “…the man knew not who he was.” (138) Here, Biff recognizes that Willy… midway through the paper… quickly admits his failure in pursuit of the American Dream and confesses the lies that have shaped his tragic life. The scene also concludes the disagreements between Willy and his sons as Biff and Happy can finally decide their own fate. Finally, Linda is free from the burden of constantly trying to comfort Willy, and although she is deeply sorry for Willy's death, she is able to live in peace. In some cases, like Willy's, resolution can only occur with death. Work cited Miller, Arthur. "Death of a Salesman" in Literature, Reading, Reaction, Writing, Compact Fourth Edition. Harcourt, Inc. 2000.