s... which apply to everyone in similar emotional situations"( Tragedy 1). According to Miller, an Oedipus complex, although originally portrayed by a King, could as easily be transferred to any character to be a tragic hero in today's world. Willy, in the play, as well as any character, is described by his virtues. The following quote is almost like a description of Willys virtues;I think tragic feeling is evoked in us when we are in the presence of a character who is ready to lay down his life, if need be, to secure one thing-his sense of personal dignity... to gain his 'rightful' place in society( Tragedy 1).The entire play is the story of Willys quest to gain his niche in society. Willy believes he deserves to be wealthy, well liked, and respected. Willy decides the only way he can 'preserve his dignity' and gain his 'societal niche' is by committing suicide; " It's twenty thousand dollars... guaranteed... Ben, the funeral will be massive!"( Death 126). A powerful feeling is felt in the audience when they see Willys only option is suicide. The society which he worked so hard to be a part of let him down, and this is why modern tragedy is so good at stirring an audiences feelings, because the downfall of the hero is so real a possibility. It is not some king with a fatal flaw, it is the guy next door.Willy believed he could have his dream. He thought he could get a job with Howard in the city, be well liked. He thought Biff and Happy were going to work together in the city. " The possibility of victory must be there in tragedy. Where pathos rules, where pathos rules, where pathos is finally derived, a character has fought a battle he could not possibly have won."Willy could never have won this battle, both internal and external, which drove him to suicide. He could not change the world, he could not change himself, but his belief that he could is what made him a tragic character.In the play, Linda Loman said the...
