Willy Loman Pride

Willy Loman, the main character in the Death of a Salesman is an intricate and enthralling tragic character. He is a man struggling to hold onto what dignity he has left in a changing society that no longer values the ideals he grew up to believe. While the altering culture can be blamed for much of his misfortune, he must also blame himself to an equal extent. His rank in the business world places him in the perfect position to be the tragic hero, along with his overwhelming sense of pride which ultimately leads to his fateful downfall. The Death of a Salesman is as significant of a tragedy as any of the Greeks or Elizabethans. It has always been known that the tragic hero of any tragedy is indeed a character of lofty position, though Miller believes “that the common man is as apt as a subject for tragedy in its highest sense as kings were.” Willy Loman’s position as a business man who can no longer please the firm he works for, is the perfect example of the average man. He lies to his family and fantasizes he is the bread winner for the sake of his pride. His failure is too humiliating for him to handle, but gradually realizes that his selling career is ruined, and foolishly believes it is below his dignity to work any other job. Willy states, “Funny you know? After

Willy’s choice to finally take his own life is not out of depression but out of love for his son Biff. When Willy Loman commits suicide at the end of the play it is the happiest he has been because, his son Biff, finally shows how much he truly loves and cares about him, deeply moved by Biff words mutters, “Isn’t that—isn’t that remarkable? Biff—he likes me!” (Miller 133). In his last moments, Willy Loman comes to the realization that now at least one Loman will be able to fulfill his dream of great wealth and