A tragic hero is known to be the protagonist who causes his own downfall, is seen as greater than the average man, and is aware of his misfortune. In Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman Willy Loman is the protagonist. Willy Loman illustrates significant Willy Loman achieves recognition. Willy, like Aristotles description of the tragic hero, moves from ignorance to knowledge(Aristotle 190). Willy is ignorant of his significance. He is unaware that his son Biff really loves him, but wife Linda helps Willy realize the truth.
When Willy knows that his life insurance money will help his amily live comfortably, he states that he is worth more dead than alive(Miller 98). He then sacrifices himself for them. Although he is a common man, Willy has the requisite stature to be heroic. According to Arthur Miller, the tragic hero has alternatives of a magnitude to have materially changed the course of his life(Miller 33). Willy strives to obtain the American Dream by becoming successful in the business world. Willy envies people like Ben and Howard who have achieved the American Dream.
Willy also wants to have a successful family life as a father and husband. Unfortunately, Willy was out of town on business for a large part of his sons lives. These business trips were also the cause of his secret affair with a woman in Boston. The success that Willy tries so hard to achieve in the business world is what causes his failure to obtain success in his personal life. Willy Loman illustrates significant characteristics of a tragic hero. Many decisions made by Willy cause his downfall. Through his actions and the course of events it becomes clear that Willy Loman is a modern tragic hero.
