Willy Loman as Tragic Hero of Death of a Salesman Essay

Willy Loman as Tragic Hero of Death of a Salesman Willy Loman, the title character of the play, Death of Salesman, exhibits all the characteristics of a modern tragic hero. This essay will support this thesis by drawing on examples from Medea by Euripedes, Poetics by Aristotle, Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, and Shakespeares Julius Caesar, while comments by Moss, Gordon, and Nourse reinforce the thesis. Death of Salesman, by Arthur Miller, fits the characteristics of classic tragedy. ?.... this is, first of all, a play about a mans death. And tragedy has from the beginning dealt with this awesome experience, regarding it as significant and moving.? (Nourse). The first defining point of a tragedy is the hero. The†¦show more content†¦His tragic flaw, however, is more than evident. Like Jason in the classic tragedy Medea by Euripedes, his sense of pride clouds reality. His business is in the work of a simple carpenter, but his pride won?t leave him to settle for such low-class work. ?Biff: What the hell do you want from me? What do you want from me? Willy: Greatness-? (Miller, 220.) His judgment is so skewed by his dreams that he even begins to try and live his fantasies through his sons, leading to his eventual end. ?I?m losing weight, Dad, can?t you tell (51), Happy says as Willy boastfully rambles on about Biff?s great achievements in football. The resentment that builds up because of the lack of interest in Happy?s life on Willy?s account, also lead up to the tumultuous animosity between the two song and their father. Pity for Willy is hardly avoidable when reading Death of a Salesman. His low rank, the lack of respect displayed by his sons, his misguided dreams, all lead to sympathy for a character on the verge of senility. ?Nobody dast blame this man,? (231) says Charley at the grave site, because, despite what Willy was lead to believe, they understood the position he was in, even though the means do not justify the end. His dream of success as a salesman failed. The sons whom he took so muchShow MoreRelatedIs Willy Loman a Tragic Hero in Death of Salesman1305 Words   |  6 PagesWilly Loman’s character in Death of a Salesman portrays him as a tragic hero. Willy Loman continued to want his recognition and his reputation but never forgets about his family. These characteristics describe him as a tragic hero in Death of a Salesman. Willy Loman’s tragic flow leads him to purse the idea that reputation in society has more relevancies in life than knowledge and education to survive in the business. His grand error of wanting recognition drove him crazy and insane and lead toRead MoreEssay Death of a Salesman, Tragic Hero. 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