Willy Loman as a Tragic Hero in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman

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Recommended: Aristotle's schema of tragedy and its relevance today

Willy Loman as a Tragic Hero in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman

Should 'Willy Loman' of Arthur Millers classic, Death of a Salesman be

regarded as a tragic hero, or merely a working-class, socially

inadequate failure? Described by Miller as a "self-destructive,

insecure anti-hero", it seems almost impossible for Loman to be what

is known as a tragic hero in the 'classical' sense, but with the

inclusion of other factors he maybe a tragic hero, at least in the

modern context, or partially suit one nonetheless.

To make the decision as to Whether Loman is a tragic hero or not, one

must define the term 'tragic hero' and reveal its development in

theatre over the course of time. The tragic hero first defined by

Aristotle in the Poetics, "...sees the rise of a noble character

(employing artistically enhanced language); presented in dramatic

form. Due to a character flaw and a seemingly unchangeable series of

events, their demise is met, resulting in a pitiable and fearful

scenario, leading to catharsis." According to Aristotle, fate and the

wish of the Gods played a large component in the falling of the tragic

hero and nothing at all could be done to stop this. On the contrary

some centuries later Shakespeare, whose collection of plays included

many tragedies, decided his plays would rely less on fate and more

blame would be attributed to the character involved and those

surrounding him. As time moved on to the 20th century Miller further

developed his own beliefs on tragedy, laying nearly one hundred

percent of the blame on the character. This was due to his disbelief

in 'forces below the surface'' but that rather forces at work, with...

... middle of paper ...

...f this modern story can takeits place alongside other great

classic tragedies?

I believe it must take its place along side other great classic

tragedies whilst also challenging old meanings and thus improving them

to suit what going on at present. A new definition is not really

needed just an improved one as, the developments in society such as

science do tend to steer our view away from factors such as fate.

Therefore I propose tragedy as: "The rise of a noble character (be

them of royal blood or just the common man); presented in dramatic

form. Due to a character flaw or flaws and the involvement of outside

help, their demise is met, resulting in a pitiable and fearful

scenario, leading to catharsis." And that Willy Loman in his situation

can be classified according this new meaning as a Modern day tragic

hero.

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