It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it – because personality always wins the day.
– Arthur Miller
Death of a Salesman, Act 1. As Willy imparts advice to Biff for his meeting with Bill Oliver, he misinterprets the American Dream, that one can rise from rags to riches. He sticks to his belief that making that dream a success hinges on presentation and appearance rather than substance. This fits in with the self-deceiving Willy’s creed that being well liked can lead anyone to success.