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Arthur Miller Death of a Salesman Genre: Is Death of a Salesman a Tragedy? |
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Arthur Miller Death of a Salesman Genre: Is Death of a Salesman a Tragedy? |
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| Perhaps the greatest debate about the play centers not around
philosophy but around genre. Critics applying the Aristotelian standars of art argue that
Willy Loman is not a tragic figue. Tragedy is limited by classical definition to art which
depicts the fall of a noble or heroic character. In the traditional sense, Willy is
neither noble nor heroic. Miller has argued the tragedy is not restricted to kings and queens. The common man is capbalbe of heroism and tragedy. As defined by Miller, tragedy is the result of a person's quest for personal dignity. it stems from the effort to evaluate oneself justly. An unwillingness to submit passively to the established order and vaules constitues a tragic flaw. Willy has high ideals -- perhaps unattainbale ideals. he wants to be loved by all,; he wants to succeed by terms which do not suit his nature; he wants to leave his mark upon the world. His struggle to achieve these ideals causes him to fly in the face of the codes of normal behavior. When he finally evaluates his performance, Willy realizes that he has fallen far short of his goals. Then he sees suicide as an act of valor. Willy Loman searched for dignity, love, and success. Miller believes that this search is heroic. That judgement must, finally, be made by each reader/viewer. Got questions or comments? Contact Jay Edwards |
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