How does self-deception function as a coping mechanism for the Lomans in Death of a Salesman?

I think that the idea of believing in appearances over
reality plays a major role in all of the characters in Miller's drama.  Part of the
particular strength of the drama is how each character is shown to be predisposed to
focusing on what can be as opposed to what is as a result of the matrix of their states
of being in consciousness.  It might be easy for the reader/ audience to criticize the
characters for doing this, but in assessing the configuration of their own lives and the
circumstances in which the characters are placed, the recognition of self- deception as
a way in which life is lived is understandable.  Willy's pursuit of a dream that never
quite materializes or embracing something that has no real chance of happening is
something that defines his state of being where self- deception is a means by which to
cope with the reality that surrounds him.  In a way, Biff deceives himself in blaming
his father for all of his woes.  In being able to deceive himself in blaming his father,
Biff does not have to fully embrace the responsibility of progressing down a path
whereby he must face his own failure.  Linda might be guilty of her own form of self-
deception.  She understands that her husband and her sons might be embracing a sense of
delusion and se;f- deception, but she facilitates this in perhaps deceiving herself in
believing that this is what a supportive mother and wife is supposed to
do.