Final answer:
Willy Loman and Dave Singleman (often mistakenly referred to as Dave Singleton) in 'Death of a Salesman' serve as contrasts in their deaths and careers. Singleman dies seemingly content and successful, while Loman dies desperate and unfulfilled, highlighting the harsh reality of the 'American Dream'.
Step-by-step explanation:
Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman and Dave Singleton from the same narrative do not have directly parallel storylines as Dave Singleton does not appear as a character in Arthur Miller's play. Instead, Dave Singleton appears to be a mix-up with Dave Singleman, whom Willy Loman admires and wishes to emulate. Dave Singleman is an older salesman who dies alone in a hotel room, but seemingly content and successful, having made many friends across his career, which contrasts strongly with Willy's life and death.
Willy Loman's death is representative of the 'death of a salesman' that Miller uses to portray the tragedy of the common man. Unlike the idealized Dave Singleman, Willy's life of selling women's undergarments is one of quiet despair, living from paycheck to paycheck. The concept of the 'American Dream' and its unattainability is a central theme here. Loman's death comes from a place of desperation, as he seeks to provide for his family through life insurance after feeling worthless both as a provider and role model. Dave Singleman's successful career contrasts with Willy's, as Singleman appeared to die respected and mourned, while Willy dies unfulfilled, realizing the hollow nature of his materialistic pursuits.
Arthur Miller presents these concepts as a critique of the materialist culture during his time, where Willy Loman and Dave Singleman serve as contrasts to each other in exploring the true cost of the 'American Dream.