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Death of a Salesman, Medea, and Phaedra

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This posting answers, "Do you find Death of a Salesman to be as tragic as Oedipus or Medea or Phaedra? Why? What do you think makes something tragic?"

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Solution Summary

This posting questions the degree of tragic elements within the play.

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Although this topic is largely subjective, I have provided some of my own ideas, along with research-based theories, to assist you with your reply.

1. Do you find Death of a Salesman to be as tragic as Oedipus or Medea or Phaedra? Why?

Although various critics argue that Miller's play does not completely adhere to the tragic definition, I advocate that the play denotes a tragedy. Willy's character exemplifies a tragic hero, in my opinion, based on his quest for personal validation and self-affirmation.
His stubborn refusal to succumb passively to the American Dream also denotes one of his many tragic flaws.

Since tragic heroes also reflect and self assess their situations, Willy conforms as he proclaims, "Because the man who makes an ...

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Stacy Shaneyfelt, MA
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  • MA, Slippery Rock University
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