I’m the New England man. I’m vital in New England.
– Arthur Miller
Death of a Salesman, Act 1. This is the proud reply of a self deceiving Willy, when Linda suggests that he should transfer job to New York to save him the pressure of traveling. He mistakingly believes that his sales presence is vital in New England. Willy is in denial and cannot face the reality that his sales have decreased so he is no longer needed by his employer. He feels the need to buoy up his feeling of self-worth by insisting that he is a critical part of the company that employs him.