Illusion vs reality

Paragraph 1: Willy's Self-Deception
"I'm very well liked in Hartford. You know, the trouble is, Linda, people don't seem to take to me." (Willy, Act 1)
"I don't know the reason for it, but they just pass me by. I'm not noticed." (Willy, Act 1)

Both quotes are from the same conversation
Willy contradicts himself within minutes
He builds the illusion then immediately punctures it himself
He is aware of the truth but cannot hold it
The illusion is a coping mechanism, not ignorance

Paragraph 2: The Family Sustains the Illusion
"Few men are idolized by their children the way you are." (Linda, Act 1)
"Are you the assistant buyer? You're one of the two assistants to the assistant, aren't you?" (Biff to Happy, Act 2)

Linda reinforces Willy's self-image instead of challenging it
Said while the Woman's laughter plays in the background: the irony is structural
Happy mirrors Willy, lying about his position just as Willy exaggerates his success
The illusion is collective, the whole family is complicit
Symbol: Linda mending stockings

Paragraph 3: Biff Breaking Through
"We never told the truth for ten minutes in this house!" (Biff, Act 2)
"I am not a leader of men, Willy, and neither are you." (Biff, Act 2)

Biff names the illusion directly for the first time
He rejects the identity Willy built for him
"Neither are you" extends the truth to Willy, not just himself
Biff is the only character who achieves genuine self-knowledge
His clarity is painful because everyone else refuses it
Symbol: the rubber pipe