The Death of a Salesman as a 20th Century tragedy

The Death of a Salesman as a 20th Century tragedy - Discuss

Q. Would you consider The Death of a Salesman as a 20th Century tragedy? Give reasons.

Answer: "The Death of a Salesman" is a renowned play written by American playwright Arthur Miller. It premiered on Broadway in 1949 and has since become one of the classic works of American theater. The play received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play, and it has been widely studied and performed around the world.

"The Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller is often regarded as a 20th-century tragedy for several reasons, reflecting the changing societal and cultural dynamics of the time. We can discuss some key aspects that contribute to its classification as a modern tragedy:

Everyman Protagonist:

Willy Loman, the central character, is an ordinary man, not a king or a noble figure, making him relatable to the average person. This aligns with the concept of a modern or common man tragedy, where the protagonist is an everyday individual facing much struggles.

Shift from Aristocracy to the Common Man:

Traditional tragedies, such as those written by Shakespeare, often featured characters of noble birth or high status. In "Death of a Salesman," the focus shifts to the struggles of an average American working-class family, capturing the spirit of the 20th-century shift in societal values and interests.

American Dream Critique:

The play critiques the American Dream, a prominent theme in 20th-century literature. Willy Loman's pursuit of success and happiness through the American Dream is met with disillusionment, reflecting the societal skepticism towards the traditional ideals of success.

Psychological Exploration:

Unlike classical tragedies that often emphasize external conflicts, "Death of a Salesman" delves deeply into the psychological aspects of the protagonist. Willy's internal struggles, including his perception of success and failure, add a modern psychological dimension to the tragic narrative.

Family Dynamics and Social Realism:

The play explores family relationships and the impact of societal expectations on individuals. The Loman family's struggles with financial instability, generational conflicts, and the pressure to conform to societal norms resonate with the social realism of the 20th century.

Time Structure and Flashbacks:

The non-linear structure of the play, incorporating flashbacks and shifts in time, is a departure from the chronological order typical of classical tragedies. This reflects the fragmented and disorienting nature of Willy's mind, contributing to the modernity of the narrative.

Downfall through Character Flaws:

Willy Loman's tragic flaw is not a traditional hamartia like those found in classical tragedies but rather a set of character flaws such as delusions of grandeur, pride, and an inability to accept reality. This aligns with the evolving understanding of tragic flaws in the 20th century.

Social Commentary:

The play serves as a social commentary on the challenges and pitfalls of the American Dream during the mid-20th century. It addresses issues such as the dehumanizing effects of capitalism, the alienation of individuals in a materialistic society, and the consequences of valuing material success over personal well-being.

"The Death of a Salesman" is, thus, considered a 20th-century tragedy due to its exploration of the struggles of an ordinary individual, its critique of the American Dream, its psychological depth, and its reflection of the changing cultural and social landscape of the time. The play captures the essence of modern tragedy by shifting the focus from aristocratic figures to the common man, making it a poignant representation of the 20th-century human experience.

*****

👉 Moby-Dick, a novel by Herman Melville | The role of the narrator

👉 Writers of the Puritan Period | their Significance and Contribution in Literature

👉 The Old Man and the Sea | Characters, Plot Summary and Themes

👉 The Color purple | the lives of African American women

👉 Transcendentalist Movement | in American literature

👉 Lady Lazarus - Sylvia Plath’s view towards a fascistic male

👉 The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy | Chance and Co-incidence