Willie is concerned about his image. He is a great showman who can brag and flaunt like the best of them, and as witness to the hard truth of his failure he continues to weave fairy tales and live in fantasy. Willie wants his sons to be better off and more successful than him, but he has already corrupted them, and they too claim achievements well beyond reality. Biff comes to the reality of his position in life in the opening of the play. He knows he is not cut out for the business world.
Biff prefers to move back to Texas and work on a farm.
Although his sons will not be successful, I think Willie Lowman did the best he could. Willie is not to blame for his sons disappointments, although he has delayed their success by giving them false ideas about success. The family situation is that of the standard dysfunctional family. The mother is upset by her sons because they have no respect for Willie and show no concern for his decline. Willie loves his wife, but often mistreats her, cuts he off in mid conversation and belittles her.