Here are my revision notes for my Aspects of Tragedy AS/A Level Paper. The notes include chronological quotes from the play and analysis of all the quotes. Character analysis, Themes, Symbolism, Context, Quotes from Tragedy and The Common Man written by Arthur Miller.
Death of a Salesman
Certain private conversations in two acts and a requiem.
Generalised title. All he is is a salesman. Characterised by his death. Tragic hero.
We never find out what it is that he sells.
The audience is invited to listen into these private conversations, to venture into Willy’s mind.
CONTEXT
- Published 1949.
- WW2 - 1939-1945.
- The US joined the war much later than other countries and therefore were able to financially
support themselves after the war. The 1948 Marshall Plan allowed Truman to give out loans
to other countries to pay off reparations.
- Economy thriving in America. A period of indulgence and hedonism.
- America “won” the war so they became the industrial, capitalist power of the world. Set
against the communist states. Many texts during this time were very patriotic. DOAS however
depicts the tragedy of the American Dream.
- 1940s America = Segregation, white capitalistic.
THE AMERICAN DREAM
- Rags to riches.
- Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin and later became the President of the United States.
- Money - The Class System of America.
- America was the place to achieve the American Dream.
- “Will you take that phoney dream and burn it before something happens?” Biff talking
to Willy about how his dreams and aspirations have destroyed their family.
- Willy’s interpretation of likeability is superficial—he childishly dislikes Bernard because he
considers Bernard a nerd. Willy’s blind faith in his stunted version of the American Dream
leads to his rapid psychological decline when he is unable to accept the disparity between the
Dream and his own life.
- Critique of the American Dream: The play serves as a critique of the American Dream,
highlighting its flaws and the detrimental effects it can have on individuals and families.
Willy's relentless pursuit of material success, coupled with his inability to adapt to changing
circumstances, ultimately leads to his tragic downfall, emphasizing the tragic consequences of
a flawed interpretation of the American Dream.
ARISTOTLE’S POETICS
Aristotle's "Poetics" is a seminal work of literary criticism that provides a framework for
understanding and analysing dramatic literature, particularly tragedy. Aristotle's theory of tragedy
encompasses several key elements:
1. Imitation (Mimesis): Aristotle argues that tragedy is an imitation of human action and life. Tragedy
presents a fictional representation of events that evokes emotions and allows the audience to gain
insight into the human condition.
3. Character (Ethos): Aristotle discusses the importance of character in tragedy. He states that
characters should be consistent and have moral and ethical qualities appropriate to their role. Aristotle
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