How does Arthur Miller use tone and diction to convey the theme of the "American dream?" I don't understand how he uses tone in his writing.

is the term
for the words a writer chooses, and diction determines the writer's tone. Because
is a , 's tone is necessarily a dark one.

In the opening scene of
act 1, Willy Loman tells his wife Linda "I'm tired to the death. . . I just couldn't make
it, Linda." This confession sets the tone for the piece; despite his best efforts, Willy
Loman never fully realizes his own American Dream of success. Willy nears retirement age having
to confront his own shortcomings: he is not wealthy, independent, respected, or even as
well-liked as he intended to be by this time in his life. He is a moral failure for cheating on
his wife, and he has lost the respect of his son, who knows about it. Willy knows that he does
not deserve Linda's loyalty and belief in him, and he recognizes incipient signs of failure in
his adult sons. Willy realizes that even as a father he is a bit of a failure. Success, respect,
a loving marriage, and a thriving family are...