Death of a Salesman as MODERN TRAGEDY by Arthur Miller Question Solved
Common Man as Tragic Hero:
In traditional Greek tragedies, the tragic hero is often a person of noble birth or high status, possessing a tragic flaw (hamartia) that leads to their downfall. Examples include Oedipus in "Oedipus Rex" and Hamlet in "Hamlet." However, Arthur Miller, in his essay “Tragedy and the Common Man,” argued that tragedy can also depict the downfall of the common man. He believed that the struggles and failures of ordinary people are just as significant and tragic as those of high-ranking individuals.
In "Death of a Salesman," Miller presents Willy Loman, a middle-class salesman, as the tragic hero. Willy is not a king or a noble but an ordinary man trying to achieve the American Dream. His tragic flaw is his misguided belief in this dream, which leads to his downfall. This shift from nobility to the common man in the role of the tragic hero is a defining characteristic of modern tragedy. It reflects the realities and struggles of the modern man, making the tragedy more relatable to contemporary audiences. This is why "Death of a Salesman" is considered a modern tragedy. It breaks away from the traditional concept of tragedy and instead presents the common man’s struggle against society, thereby evoking pity and fear.
"A small man can be just as exhausted as a great man." This quote shows that Willy, though a common man, carries the weight of his struggles just like a tragic hero.
American Dream:
The protagonist, Willy Loman, is a representation of the common man who misunderstands the American Dream. The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States, which includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and upward social mobility achieved through hard work. It’s often associated with the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success if they work hard and are dedicated.
However, Willy Loman interprets the American Dream differently. He believes that wealth and success come from being well-liked and having personal attractiveness, rather than through hard work and diligence. This is a misinterpretation of the American Dream. Willy’s belief leads him to pursue superficial friendships and popularity rather than meaningful relationships and genuine success. He neglects the value of hard work and instead focuses on surface-level qualities. This flawed understanding and pursuit of the American Dream ultimately lead to his downfall, making his story a tragedy.
In essence, the tragedy of Willy Loman is a critique of the American Dream, showing the potential consequences of misunderstanding and misinterpreting this concept. It serves as a reminder that success is more complex than popularity and personal attractiveness and that hard work and integrity should not be overlooked.
"Why am I trying to become what I don’t want to be … when all I want is out there, waiting for me the minute I say I know who I am." This quote reflects Willy’s misguided interpretation of the American Dream.
Society’s Role:
Society’s role is a significant theme in "Death of a Salesman." The play portrays how a common man, Willy Loman, is ruined by society’s misguided values. In the play, society values material success and popularity, which Willy internalizes and strives to achieve. However, these societal values are depicted as flawed or “mistaken ideas.” They lead Willy to prioritize superficial qualities over substantial ones, such as integrity and hard work.
Willy’s interaction with Howard, his boss, further highlights the harsh realities of a commercialized American society. Howard, who values only business success and has no regard for Willy’s years of service, coldly fires Willy when he is no longer useful to the company. This interaction underscores the inhumanity of a society that values individuals based solely on their economic productivity.
In essence, the play critiques a society that measures worth by material success, leading individuals like Willy to pursue unattainable dreams and ultimately causing their downfall. It’s a powerful commentary on the effects of societal values on the individual.
"You can’t eat the orange and throw the peel away - a man is not a piece of fruit." This quote shows how society discards a man once he’s no longer useful, reflecting the societal pressures Willy faces.
Modern Tragedy Elements:
"Death of a Salesman" incorporates several elements of modern tragedy, which differentiate it from classical tragedies:
- Use of flashbacks, flash-forwards, and dreams: The play frequently shifts in time, using flashbacks and flash-forwards to reveal Willy Loman’s past and possible futures. This nonlinear narrative structure allows the audience to understand Willy’s psyche and the reasons behind his current state. Dreams, both literal and metaphorical, also play a significant role in the narrative, often blurring the line between reality and illusion.
- Multiple plots and more than one central character: Unlike traditional tragedies that typically focus on a single protagonist, "Death of a Salesman" features multiple interconnected plots and gives significant attention to more than one character. This allows for a more complex and nuanced exploration of its themes.
- Common man’s struggle against society: In contrast to classical tragedies that often focus on the downfall of kings or heroes, "Death of a Salesman" centers on a common man, Willy Loman. His struggle against societal pressures and expectations evokes both pity and fear, fulfilling Aristotle’s concept of ‘catharsis’ in tragedy.
"I realized what a ridiculous lie my whole life has been." This quote, a moment of self-realization for Willy, is a key element of modern tragedy.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Death of a Salesman" is indeed a modern tragedy. It breaks away from the traditional concept of tragedy and presents a poignant depiction of the common man’s struggle against society. Its innovative use of narrative techniques and its exploration of modern themes have earned it various honors, including the Pulitzer Prize and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. It’s a masterpiece of modern American drama that continues to resonate with audiences today.
SOURCES:
(1) Death of a Salesman as a modern tragedy | Arthur Miller. https://thinkingliterature.com/death-of-a-salesman-as-a-modern-tragedy/.
(2) Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller Summary and Analysis - LitPriest. https://litpriest.com/plays/death-of-a-salesman-summary-and-analysis/.
(3) The Analysis of Death of a Salesman From the Perspective of Modern Tragedy. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3755125.
(4) 4.The Analysis of Death of a Salesman From the Perspective of Modern .... https://www.davidpublisher.com/Public/uploads/Contribute/5d564f4340d99.pdf.
(5) undefined. https://ssrn.com/abstract=3755125.
(6) en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_a_Salesman.
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