In many ways, the play is a tragedy that centers on the problems of the Loman family. Wiily Loman, the protagonist, is the misguided character person, who sets out to achieve the goals that he thinks is the right for himself and his family. It is ironic that his dreams and goals of having a better life for himself and his family are responsible for the pain and distress to everyone. In Death of a Salesman, the protagonist, Willy, is different from the traditional tragic hero, but he possesses the fatal flaw of all tragic heroes. The true tragedy of the play exists within the character of Willy Loman and everything that happens to him is a result of his self delusion of wanting more than he can have from life. Willy’s self delusion gives way to tragedy that befalls the Loman family. He is an unsuccessful salesman, but he does not accept this truth as he blindly pursues his blind faith in the American Dream.
He is obsessed with becoming successful. It is his self delusion that led to him being fired, being disrespected by his son, Biff, and his death. Willy’s death is a tragedy. He is the salesman who “sells” his life in order to make a living. He believes that his death values more his life. He gives up his life so that his children could inherit the money from his insurance to make a better life for themselves. Willy’s tragic flaw is his drive to accomplish the very best for his family. He continuously strives to ensure a better place in the society for his family, as he wants to ensure that Linda’s happiness and his children’s financial security.
In contrast to his personal needs, the external factors of being a common man, who is struggling to make a living in a harsh world, adds to his demise. The tragedy is Miller’s attempt to deviate from the norm of the typical tragic hero and creates his personal tragic hero who tries to defy the conventions of a tragic hero. Loman struggles against the odds of the society, as he tries very hard to break the societal laws, however he finds himself broken. Willy stays true to the beliefs of his childhood, where being liked by everyone is the main component of success. Nevertheless, his views are outdated in the capitalist society. He teaches his sons the wrong values of life and wastes their lives. As a result, the entire family suffers. Biff later realizes the mistakes, and finally sets out to fix these problems.
Reference
Death of a Salesman (n.d.a) The Play
www.pelister.org/literature/ArthurMiller/Miller_Salesman.pdf Accessed May 23, 2014
