King Lear And Aristotle Analysis

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Aristotle’s True Tragic Hero
According to Aristotle, a tragic hero is one of noble upbringing who undergoes a reversal of fortune. The hero must then realize that their peripetia is a direct result of their own tragic flaw. King Lear in William Shakespeare’s King Lear and Willy Loman in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman both share the tragic flaw of being blind to reality, but Lear fits the remainder of Aristotle’s description more accurately. It is evident that Lear holds these tragic qualities because he is born of a noble birth, receives pity, and is able to see the truth. On the contrary, Willy Loman lacks these same characteristics. As a result, he fails to accept his mistakes unlike Lear did, proving that the one who more precisely …show more content…

This community is important for a noble person, especially a king, as it acts as support and a place of acceptance. King Lear makes the irrational decision of banishing the loyal Cordelia, and splitting the kingdom between his two cunning daughters, Goneril and Regan. Even though this tragic error leads Lear into a grueling state of madness, he knows he has a kingdom that will accept him once he gets back on track to reality. Acceptance from people such as knights, servants, or other noble people make it a lot easier for one to accept themselves. On the other hand, no acceptance from a community of supporters makes it extremely harder. Willy Loman is a proletariat of the lower class, forever wishing to become one of a high status. He repeatedly dreams of becoming accepted in the powerful bourgeoisie, and shares this with sons Happy and Biff by explaining, “Tell you a secret boys. Don’t breathe it to a soul. Someday I’ll have my own business, and I’ll never have to leave home again” (1.30). If he did own a business, that would mean he would officially move up social classes, become well-liked, and be part of a community. Since this community is not present in Willy’s life to accept and appreciate him, he does not feel the need to accept his mistakes as Lear does. Lear finds his true self again as he is welcomed back into his noble kingdom, while …show more content…

This pity often leads to assistance, since people do not want to see this hero suffer more than they deserve to. Even though Cordelia is banished by Lear, it is evident she will always care for him. When she hears the news of her father going mad upon the heath, she feels sorry for him and immediately seeks help from soldiers and a doctor to find him. Cordelia’s pity on Lear ultimately helps him understand his flaws and realize his daughter’s loyalty. This empathy from others helps the hero to accept himself as he understands he has loved ones who accept him as well. When no one takes pity or pays attention to the tragic hero, it is difficult for them to grasp the reality of their terrible situation. Willy’s family may speak to each other about Willy’s troubles, but do not take extreme actions to reach out to him. Instead of discussing his suffering to his face, Linda just tells the sons, “Don’t- don’t go near him!” (1.55). If Happy or Biff actually went near him, they’re supportive words could have brightened his mood and made him feel better about himself. Biff also proves that he does not feel sorrow for Willy as Cordelia does with her father. Biff explains to Willy, “What is this supposed to do, make a hero out of you?” This supposed to make me sorry for you?” (2.130). After discovering the rubber hose that Willy is attempting to commit suicide with,

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