Critically discuss Willy Loman as a tragic hero.
Death of A Salesman is a notable literary work by Arthur Miller. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Death of A Salesman.
Answer
Critically discuss Willy Loman as a tragic hero. [2019] ✪✪✪
Or, Evaluate Willy Loman as a tragic character. [2017]
Or, Discuss Willy Loman as a tragic hero. [2015]
Arthur Miller (1915–2005), in his famous play “Death of a Salesman” (1949), presents Willy Loman as a modern tragic hero. Unlike the ancient heroes of Shakespeare or Sophocles, Willy is a common man. He is not a king or nobleman but an ordinary salesman. Yet, he suffers deeply because of his pride and false dreams. Miller proves that the fall of a common man can be as tragic as that of a great hero when his struggle is noble but hopeless.
A Common Man as Hero: Arthur Miller changes the idea of classical tragedy. He says a common man can also be a tragic hero. Willy Loman is an ordinary worker, not a powerful leader. But he has dreams, pride, and hope. He wants success, respect, and love. His fall comes not from evil but from false beliefs. He says,
“A man is not a bird, to come and go with the springtime.”
This shows his wish for stability. His pain, though small in life, becomes great in feeling and meaning.
Willy’s Tragic Flaw: Every tragic hero has a weakness or “tragic flaw.” Willy’s flaw is his blind faith in the American Dream. He believes that charm and popularity bring success. He says,
“It’s not what you do… It’s who you know and the smile on your face.”
He values being “well liked” more than being skilled or honest. This belief ruins his life and his sons’ future. He fails to see that success needs hard work, not false pride. His wrong ideals lead him to despair and downfall.
Conflict Between Dream and Reality: Willy lives in two worlds—dream and truth. He cannot accept failure, so he escapes into memory and illusion. He talks to his dead brother Ben and says,
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