The link between sports and success in the death of a salesman and fencesSport has become one of the most dominant elements in society. Today sport is an integral part of lifestyle, entertainment and free time. Sports have become an outlet for success and prestige. The recurring emphasis on sport appears in both Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman and August Wilson's Fences. While Death of a Salesman portrays the sport as a means to achieve popularity and subsequent success, Fences portrays the sport negatively, discouraging it, despite unmistakable talent. Miller's Death of a Salesman is the tragic account of the disappearance of a gaunt salesman, Willy Loman. . Willy is passively approaching the end of his career and his life. His two sons, Biff and Happy, show little remorse or pity for Willy, despite his obvious senility. When Biff borrows a ball from his coach to practice passing, Willy encourages him: "The coach will probably congratulate you on your initiative!" (Miller 30). Willy mistakenly praises Biff, not realizing that such a statement might deceive Biff. Later, as Biff awaits a date with a prominent businessman, he feels compelled to steal his fountain pen: “I don't know, I just wanted to get something” (Miller 104). Such incidents set a precedent for Biff, ultimately leading to his poor professional status. Willy deceives Biff once again by mistakenly dissuading him from studying. When Bernard reminds Biff that in order to graduate, he must study mathematics, Willy initially agrees and encourages Biff to study: “You'd better study with him, Biff. Go ahead now” (Miller 32). When Biff confidently shows Willy his sneakers, on which he has printed... in the middle of paper... the problems with the theft persist. On the other hand, Cory joined the marines and became a corporal. As Miller and Wilson revealed, athleticism doesn't always equate to success. Willy thought highly of Biff because he observed Biff's presence and athleticism and believed that these qualities would lead to immediate success. Today, many parents associate sports with success and therefore push their children to excel in sports. In today's society it is very rare for fears of discrimination to cause children not to pursue a lucrative career in sport. Both Miller and Wilson knew the impact of sports on family dynamics and how sports evolved from a leisure activity to a full-time commitment. Clearly, many of the qualitative aspects of sport: competition, teamwork and physical dexterity can contribute to success in almost any career..