Oedipus and Willy Loman

Paper Summary:

Arthur Miller's Willy Loman in the modern American tragedy "Death of a Salesman", is like Oedipus, more cursed than blessed, although he too has enjoyed his share of blessings on a smaller scale: A devoted wife; two healthy sons; a once lucrative job, home ownership: The trappings of the "American Dream". The paper explains that Oedipus, before his downfall, is King of Thebes; Willy, though no monarch, is esteemed by his wife, sons and community (at least until Biff's discovery of him with another woman). It shows however, that both Oedipus and Willy are doomed by their own excessive pride, which blinds each of them to the realities of their own, and others' strengths, limitations and potential. As a result, even though Oedipus is a king and Willy Loman is merely a salesman, both are tragic characters.

From the Paper:

"In Oedipus the King, Oedipus is doomed by fate. In Death of a Salesman, Willy is doomed by a combination of fate and his own stubborn beliefs and actions (and inactions). Oedipus's descent is from a higher place, a kingdom, yet each character still loses all that matters. Moreover, both will die, though differently: Oedipus from exposure due to exile; Willie by suicide. Both are defeated and ultimately destroyed by their own overweening pride, which blinds both characters to the realities of their own, and others, existences and circumstances."

More papers on Oedipus and Willy Loman:

• Comparison Essay # 34563 : "Salesmen and Murderers: The Seal of Fate Upon Their Lives"
• Analytical Essay # 50734 : "Willie Loman and Oedipus"
• Analytical Essay # 58811 : "Oedipus Rex" and "Death of a Salesman"

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