A common theme displayed in the two plays is the American Dream. In the Death of a Salesman, it is asserted that the country in the setting was the land of breathtaking splendor. Every individual has the same opportunity to improve his welfare to unimaginable levels. It denotes that the country experiences rapid social mobility and success. Even the poverty-struck person should be able to move upward socially, through hard work. However, not all Americans triumph. Bernard has taken advantage of education opportunity and studied hard in the process; in doing so, he has elevated through the ranks of his career and is now an astute legal professional. He is so esteemed that he argues with Supreme Court judges, the highest appellate court in a democratic government.

In Fences, Troy Maxson is the perfect illustration of the vast chance of success in America. He is given exposure to a wide array of facilities, which his father contrastingly did not experience. Troy has turned out to be more successful than his kin, enjoying liberty, freedom and the pursuit of happiness. He also reveals his worry over the future American society, where his son will grow in. He finds it difficult to fathom his son will become more prosperous than him. The tragedies faced by Troy are not without peril, even though he has managed overcome poverty. He faces many problems, illustrating that all is not rosy once in the American dream. He is also reluctant to allow his son to play professional football as a career, which is a different source of income than during his youth. It highlights the possibility that a society’s ills could have an adverse impact on the upcoming generation. Cory does not go to college as a result of his father’s indecision.

Another recurrent theme in both plays is the theme of kinship. In the death of a salesman, Willy is settled with a loving wife and a son who is maturing fast. They care for each other’s well-being, especially as various members display character flaws. Willy is surrounded by members of his Nuclear family; such as Uncle Ben-his brother, Biff Loman, Happy Loman, who are the children of the protagonist. Besides, the members of the family care for each other, evidenced by Willy defending his son when Bernard criticized him. He even orders him to leave in the process. Furthermore, when Willy called Biff a lazy bum, his wife defended their son, assuming that Biff is still trying to find himself. He reflects on the good times that Biff had while younger. Additionally, we learn that Willy had pawned his treasured diamond watch to get fees for Biff’s course in radio. Biff is also exposed as caring to his family members when he claims that he is trying to change for the better.

Although there is a pair of actual deaths in Fences, mortality is a constant menace. Troy Maxson begins by telling us that he has dueled with death and surprisingly won. He perpetually addresses death in the context, especially in his monologues. He enjoys taunting death, even adding audacious sneers to it. Ultimately, Death had the last laugh since it took his soul. It amazes us that he derived peace in death, which teaches us that the heaven awaits those who struggle this life. Every end justifies the means and thus, Fences appears to view humanity and death. It explains the real meaning of life which is not the success. Ultimately, it is essential to be happy with oneself to live a real life. It is conceivable that Troy had never enjoyed tranquility with his personality of life in the past.