Arthur Miller & His Views on Tragedy Death of a Salesman

Arthur Miller ( ) Background Born in New York in 1915Born in New York in 1915 Father was a shopkeeper who was ruined in the DepressionFather was a shopkeeper who was ruined in the Depression The change in fortune had a deep impact on Miller who would eventually write plays about families who were destroyed by “false values”The change in fortune had a deep impact on Miller who would eventually write plays about families who were destroyed by “false values” As one of the greatest American playwrights, he was known for plays that combined social awareness with a deep insight into the personal weaknesses of his charactersAs one of the greatest American playwrights, he was known for plays that combined social awareness with a deep insight into the personal weaknesses of his characters

Arthur Miller Background Miller’s plays were in keeping with the realistic tradition that had established itself in the United States in the early to mid-20 th CenturyMiller’s plays were in keeping with the realistic tradition that had established itself in the United States in the early to mid-20 th Century Miller was therefore not a Romantic, but some of his characters are, which often leads to problemsMiller was therefore not a Romantic, but some of his characters are, which often leads to problems Miller wrote many famous plays including The Crucible and All My Sons, but he is most notable for the play Death of a Salesman, which brought him international fameMiller wrote many famous plays including The Crucible and All My Sons, but he is most notable for the play Death of a Salesman, which brought him international fame Written in 1949, the play presents Arthur Miller’s view of “tragedy,” focusing on a common man named Willy Loman whose dreams did not materialize in the way he envisionedWritten in 1949, the play presents Arthur Miller’s view of “tragedy,” focusing on a common man named Willy Loman whose dreams did not materialize in the way he envisioned

Characteristics of the Tragic Hero "A man doesn't become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall." ~Aristotle Six Characteristics of the Tragic Hero: 1.Nobility or wisdom (by birth) 2.A flaw or error of judgment (Hamartia) 3.A reversal of fortune (perepetia) 4.The discovery or recognition that the reversal was brought about by the hero's own actions (anagnorisis) 5.The audience must feel dramatic irony for the character. 6.The character's fate must be greater than deserved.

Miller’s Thoughts on Tragedy It’s silly to think that tragedy depends upon the tragic hero being of a high social class, like a king – this no longer captures the imagination of the audience We can best identify with a tragic hero when he or she is willing to sacrifice his life to save his dignity The primary force behind tragedy is the indignation of the “wounded hero” The tragic “flaw” isn’t really a flaw at all – this is the hero’s unwillingness to settle for anything less than achieving his dreams (still pride?)

Miller’s Views on Tragedy We better identify with the common man as a tragic figure because he or she is more like us; in fact, we could be like him or her if we were unlucky enough or not careful enough Tragedy results from our need to measure up to some sort of societal standard (Universalism) Also, it would be hard to relate to a tragic figure who is pure – it needs to be a real person with frailties that we all might have The tragic hero is noble because he or she never gives up, even when things seem (or are) impossible

The Common Man as Hero Miller’s thoughts: “Everyone knows Willy Loman.” “The common man is suitable for a tragic hero.” Willy is meant to be seen as greater and better (at least in potential) than his society.

Miller’s Modern Tragedy  The hero is a common man.  The hero struggles against society.  The hero meets his downfall.  The downfall is a result of an incongruity between his own perception of the world and reality.  The hero achieves a kind of redemption in his downfall.