Drowning in Lies: The Aristotelian Tragedy of Willy Loman

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Aristotle made observations of classical tragedies. He described tragedy as “an imitation of an action of high importance, complete and of some amplitude; in language enhanced by distinct and varying beauties; acted not narrated; by means of pity and fear effecting its purgation of these emotions.” Concerning the tragic hero, he must have a reversal of fortune, contain a fatal flaw, and be of a high estate. Arthur Miller’s play, Death of a Salesman, is an indisputably tragic story. Willy Loman, the salesman, lived in his fantasies. He avoided reality until it was inevitable, and he could no longer live with it. The play fits into the Aristotelian definition of tragedy because Willy Loman’s success in his career declined significantly; he consistently lived in an imaginary world, and thought he was of high social class.
During Willy’s darkest moments, he remembered 1928 (when he had success). “I had a big year [in 1928]. I averaged a hundred and seventy dollars a week in commissions,” said Willy. He described his previous successes many times throughout the play. He wholeheartedly bel...

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