Abstract: This article analyzes the reasons that cause the tragedy of Willy Lowman, the protagonist in Arthur Miller's masterpiece, Death of a Salesman. After a close study of the definition and connotation of the American Dream, the author of this paper relates Willy’s personal tragedy to its sociological sphere and draws the conclusion that Willy’s tragedy is chiefly caused by his ignorance of the illusory side of American Dream. Through an analysis of Willy Lowman’s disillusioned dream, the article further highlights the illusory trait of the American Dream. 

Key words: Willy Lowman; Death of a Salesman; American Dream; tragedy

摘要：本文分析了阿瑟·米勒的杰作《推销员之死》中威利·洛曼悲剧产生的原因。在仔细研究了美国梦的定义及内涵之后,本文作者将威利·洛曼的个人悲剧与它的社会学背景联系起来,从而认为威利的悲剧主要原因是他对美国梦虚幻的一面的无知。通过分析威利破灭梦想,文章进一步凸现了美国梦虚幻的特质。

关键词:威利·洛曼；《推销员之死》；美国梦；悲剧