Death of a Salesman Arthur Miller The American
- Slides: 5
Death of a Salesman Arthur Miller The American Dream: At what cost?
Classical Tragedy Ø the hero’s traits, esp. being a mixture of good and bad and being of higher moral worth than others in society Ø the concept of the hero’s flaw Ø the hero’s capacity to willingly endure suffering Ø the catharsis of the audience – where the audience has an emotional release of emotions like pity or fear that results in renewal
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: Ø Nobility or wisdom (usually by birth) Ø A flaw or error of judgment (Hamartia) Ø A reversal of fortune (perepetia) Ø The discovery or recognition that the reversal was brought about by the hero's own actions (anagnorisis) Ø The character's fate must be greater than deserved.
Key Traits of a Tragic Hero Ø Usually evokes empathy… Ø Has a weakness, usually pride Ø Something has gone awry in his/her life Ø Usually faced with a very serious decision he must make Ø Noble in nature Ø Must understand his mistakes… Ø Likely doomed from the start… Ø Begins his “journey” as no better or worse than the rest of us…
Miller’s Modern Tragedy Ø The hero is a common man. hero struggles against society. hero meets his downfall is a result of an incongruity between his own perception of the world and reality. Ø The hero achieves a kind of redemption in his downfall.
