Tragedy and the Common Man

Building on the previous question, think about the context of today’s society and examine whether there exists the same lack of heroes in storytelling today. Apply present-day context and your own research to analyze how tragic heroism is presented currently.

Consider how the essay uses ideas and imagery associated with democracy, equality, and universality. Investigate how Miller’s political beliefs in the context of the post-war era, especially the Red Scare, may have influenced his essay.

Look closely at Paragraph 9. Why do you think Miller asserts that the common man of his time knows the fear of tragic struggle “the best,” even better than those higher up in society’s hierarchy?

Do some research on Miller’s play Death of a Salesman. How does Willy Loman, the protagonist of this work, embody the traits of a tragic hero outlined in his essay?

Miller writes about the common “man.” Do you think his essay has anything to say to or about women? Use evidence from the essay to support your argument.

Look closely at Miller’s use of imagery and diction. In what ways does his choice of language echo the heightened poetic styles of the tragic genre he is championing?

Miller argues that tragedy is optimistic in that it demonstrates the “indestructible will of man” (17). Apply Miller’s argument to a tragic drama of your choice to argue for or against his point.

Miller writes, “No tragedy can […] come about when its author fears to question absolutely everything” (14). Consider the essay in light of Miller’s groundbreaking plays. How does he show his own fearlessness in creating tragedy?