Willy Loman Is Often Described As A Tragic Hero. To What Extent Is "Death Of A Salesman" A Tragedy?

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also changing the qualities of a "modern tragic hero". A tragic hero
is someone with the dedication to die for a belief, but also someone who
has a tragic flaw or limitation that defines him as a character and makes
the tragedy happen. Willy is intense and passionate and cares about his
dream enough to sacrifice his life to it. He has alternatives, but he
chooses to live in a certain way that brings about his downfall that is the
difference between Willy and his salesman neighbour Charley who chooses
other ways of achieving success.
As soon as Death of a Salesman opened, critics began writing about
its relation to Greek tragedy, usually pointing out that Willy doesn't
qualify as a tragic hero. Miller replied to these critics with an essay
titled "Tragedy and the Common Man." He said that Death of a Salesman does
have a shattering emotional impact on the audience that corresponds to that
of a Greek tragedy. It also shows the inevitable movement toward death of
the ...

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