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Post by sandych116 on Mar 31, 2013 22:39:21 GMT -5
As John Proctor was a tragic hero in Miller's "the Crucible" I've noticed distinct traits Willie has that also makes him a tragic hero. Firstly, although he is not of "noble birth" Willie is the head of the family which gives him power. Willie's tragic flaw was his obsession over being "well liked" or his reputation. A part of his flaw included wanting to be successful and to fulfill the American Dream to an unhealthy extent. His downfall began when Willie lost his temper on Howard and was fired. Subsequently, a series of unfortunate events were triggered. Willie's self acknowledgement was realizing that he was not as well liked by his costumers, or not as important to the company as he initially thought. This leads to his tragic death by committing suicide.
Is there anything to add on? Did you guys (the audience) feel pathos for Willie?
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Post by idach116 on Apr 1, 2013 9:59:51 GMT -5
I agree with your analysis of Willy as somewhat a tragic hero. At a time he was at his peak as a successful and young merchant, making more than $100 a week. As he aged, his success decreased and eventually the inevitable happens. Also, it is foreshadowed that Willy would die by committing suicide on pages 58 and 59 when Linda tells the Biff and Happy Willy's failed attempts at suicide, such as when "he came to that little bridge, and then deliberately smashed into the railing" (Miller 59). Overall, I pity Willy because he starts with a prominent life and ends up degrading himself due to his age.
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Post by sophiapa116 on Apr 1, 2013 16:02:18 GMT -5
Reinforcing this argument, Miller believed the common man was as apt a subject for tragedy as kings or people of higher class as seen in Miller’s essay “Tragedy and the Common Man”. Going off of Miller's choice of name, Willy "Loman" or low-man/ the everyday man, it makes sense that he would choose to present the tragic figure as a common man. Furthermore, Miller defines a tragic hero as trying to preserve one’s “sense of personal dignity” which Willy reflects in his constant struggle to achieve the American Dream (Tragedy and the Common Man). In Willy’s effort to achieve success, he loses this dignity which leads to his demise.
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Post by bernadettela116 on Apr 4, 2013 22:47:04 GMT -5
I don't know if Willy ever truly acknowledges his flaws. I think it's more like he thinks that by killing himself he is achieving something because he thinks he will be able to finally provide for him family. Although, insurance usually doesn't cover suicide for this very reason, so ultimately he doesn't even die the "noble" death he expects. He never has the self realization that what he has been doing was futile and detrimental to others, but rather just thinks that this is a better way to get money to his family and perpetuate the idea that the American Dream is the only thing worth existing for.
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Post by 14elesvi on Apr 8, 2013 18:51:43 GMT -5
I agree with Bernadette. Perhaps, one can argue Biff Loman is the tragic hero. High status-popular. Fatal flaw-"pumped up with hot air". Fall-realization in Bill Olliver's office-doesn't belong in business. Catharsis-we all lie, sickness of lies is gone from Biff
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