Willy Loman's Heroic Tragedy

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that Willy Loman, an aging salesman, is the protagonist of the play "Death of a Salesman", but he is also a tragic hero in the drama. The writer discusses that his tragedy does not lie in the fact that he dies at the end of the play, but in the fact that he led such a meaningless and unfulfilled life. The writer maintains that Willy's life is a tragedy, but his death may actually raise him to hero status, because it may bring his family closer together and instill in them a drive to make something of themselves, so they can throw off the legacy of their father. The writer concludes that Willy's death may be the most heroic thing he has ever done, because of the consequences with his family.

From the Paper:

"Willy has died in a blaze of glory, utterly convinced he is doing the right thing, and perhaps that has made his last moments happier than they have been in years. He will never know he failed again, and failed his family in the most permanent way. However, there was so much argument, turmoil, and strife in the family, perhaps removing himself was really the thing the family needed. There is a feeling, even though it may be implied, that the family will come together as a result of Willy's death, and that they will survive. There is also a feeling that the two sons will have some impetus to make something of themselves, even if it is because they fear ending up just like their father did."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Miller, Arthur. "Death of a Salesman." Masters of Modern Drama. Haskell M. Block and Robert G. Shedd, ed. New York: McGraw-Hill. 1962. 1020-1054.

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