While the dilemma in this situation is less obvious, the effects of internal dishonesty are illustrated clearly as being equally destructive as dishonesty to others directly. Thus, while there is no obvious dilemma faced, at some point a decision is made subconsciously by the Willy Loman character to be dishonest with himself, the result of which is depression and discord.
The question of honesty arises again when Biff steals the pen, but then lies to Willy because he feels his father cannot bear the truth. In that sequence, we see a more direct...
The entire situation derives from Willy's inability to accept the truth about the world -- he wants to live a lie and this trait has been passed down to Biff at this point. The example of Willy and the Woman is the situation reversed -- more lies in order to preserve Willy's view of the world. Each set of lies in the story reinforces the main lie from which they all derive. The lesson is that honesty starts with being honest to oneself. Without that, dishonesty will perpetuate in order to preserve the initial lie.
