Willy's Tragic Flaw

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Tragedy In Willy Lomen

Within a tragedy, a tragic hero is a main character that falls from a state of grace to despair at an extreme rate. Normally within a tragedy the character that undergoes this fatal change is an individual that possesses nobility. However, Arthur Miller believes that tragedy can affect an individual within an average man if they possess hamartia, also known as a “tragic flaw”. In Death Of a Salesmen, the main character Willy Loman possesses all the characteristics of a tragic hero. Willy Loman’s tragic flaw is his possession of his excessive and unwarranted pride. Willy’s pride affects his relationship with his son that ultimately causes tension and resentment within the family. It made Willy live life that consisted …show more content…

Earlier in Willy’s life he had the opportunity to peruse a career that he genuinely enjoyed (Carpentry). However, Willy’s pride along with his desire to live the American dreams causes him to believe that a career in the sales business is more rewarding than being a carpenter. In act II during a conversation between Willy and his son Biff on the discussion of Willy’s career choice, Willy said to Biff “I am not a dime of a dozen! I am Willy Loman and you are Biff Loman!” (Miller p-105). Here Willy shows the audience that he believes that being a Lomen is a big significance and believes that they are destined to live a life with a prestigious career. Willy even took offence when his son Biff suggested becoming a carpenter, which he then replies with, “Even your grandfather was better than a carpenter” (Miller, p-48). Throughout the play Willy’s pride does not allow him to face the fact that he has made the wrong decision with becoming a salesmen. Instead his ego and pride makes him believe that he in indeed a popular and successful salesman, when in reality he is one of the lowest earning businessmen within the business industry. Eventually Willy gets fired from his job leaving him unable to support for his family and eventually seeks financial help from his wealthy neighbor Charley (Charley is Willy’s foil, which is why Willy is extremely envious of charley). When Charley gives Willy fifty dollars Willy says, “Charley look… I got my insurance to pay, if you can manage it- I need a hundred and ten dollars” (Miller, p-75). Not only is Willy is unappreciative from Charley’s kind gesture, but he is asking for even more. Charley has pity for Willy and gives him the opportunity to work for him, but due to Willy’s unwarranted pride he declines rudely without thinking about his need to support his family. If Willy’s pride weren’t so excessive he would’ve been able to see his failures earlier on, giving

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