Discuss Miller’s ‘Death of a Salesman’ as a tragedy.

Answer

Discuss Miller’s ‘Death of a Salesman’ as a tragedy. [2021]

Arthur Miller (1915–2005), in “Death of a Salesman” (1949), presents a new kind of tragedy. The play shows the fall of Willy Loman, a simple salesman with big dreams. Like Shakespeare’s tragic heroes, Willy also has a fatal flaw—his false belief in the American Dream. He is not a noble king but an ordinary man. Through Willy’s failure, Miller shows that modern tragedy belongs to the common man. Their dreams and pride lead them to suffering and death.

Modern Idea of Tragedy: Arthur Miller changes the old idea of tragedy. In classical plays, only noble or royal characters suffered downfall. But in modern society, even a small man has big hopes and deep pain. Willy Loman is one of them. He is a common man who works hard and wants respect. Miller says that a common man is as apt a subject for tragedy as kings. Willy’s fall is great because his hopes are great. His tragedy gives value and dignity to ordinary human life.

Willy’s Tragic Flaw: Like a classical hero, Willy also has a flaw. His weakness is his blind faith in false dreams. He believes that being liked and popular can bring success. He says, 

“It’s not what you do… It’s who you know and the smile on your face.” 

He never learns that honesty and skill matter more than charm. His pride stops him from facing truth. His wrong idea of success ruins his job, his sons, and his peace. This false belief is the root of his tragedy.

Conflict Between Dream and Reality: Willy cannot accept the difference between dream and truth. He dreams of fame and comfort, but he earns nothing. He says, 

“After all the highways… you end up worth more dead than alive.” 

These words show his pain and failure. He tries to live through memories and illusions. He imagines his brother Ben,