This document provides an analysis of Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman" as a modern tragedy. It begins with background on Arthur Miller and an introduction to the play. It then defines what a tragedy is and compares classical and modern tragedies. The main section analyzes how "Death of a Salesman" fits the characteristics of a modern tragedy through the flaws and psychology of the ordinary protagonist Willy Loman and its exploration of contemporary themes. The document concludes that the play departs from classical conventions to focus on the struggles of everyday life, making it a powerful tragedy that captures the modern human condition.

2. Information
Name : Solanki Parthiv R
Roll No : 11
Enrollment No : 3176205820210144
Sem : 5
Paper : A Study of American Literature - 1
Topic : “Death of a Salesman”as a Modern
Tragedy.
Batch : 2021 - 24
Submitted TO : M.R.R Monapara Arts college,
SPEI,Bhavnagar
Department of English
E-mail : solankiparthiv17@gmail.com

3. Table of
Contents
• Arthur Miller
• Introduction of the play
• What is Tragedy ?
• Classical Tragedy VS Modern
Tragedy
• “Death of salesman ” as a
Modern Tragedy
• Conclusion

4. Arthur Miller
• Arthur Miller was born in New
York City on October 17, 1915.
He wrote Death of a Salesman
which won the Pulitzer Prize and
transformed Miller into a
national sensation. Many critics
described Death of a Salesman
as the first great American
tragedy, and Miller gained
eminence as a man who
understood the deep essence of

5. Introduction of the
play
• “Death of a Salesman” is a
classic American play
written by Arthur Miller in
1949. It offers a critical
examination of the
American Dream, family
dynamics, and the
disillusionment that can
result from pursuing an
idealized version of success.

6. What is Tragedy ?
• A very sad event or situation,
especially one that involves
death.
• It brings out emotions during
the drama, such as fear and
anger.
• Dramatic narrative in which
serious and important actions
turn out disastrously for the
protagonist or tragic hero.
• A true tragedy should evoke
pity and fearon the part of the

7. Classical Tragedy VS Modern
Tragedy

8. “Death of salesman ” as a Modern
Tragedy
• Death of a Salesman” by
Arthur Miller is often
regarded as a modern
tragedy, and it deviates from
the classical Greek and
Elizabethan notions of
tragedy in several ways.
Here’s how the play aligns
with the characteristics of a
modern tragedy.

9. 1. Common
Protagonist
• In classical tragedies, the protagonist
is typically a noble or royal figure.
However, in “Death of a Salesman,”
the protagonist, Willy Loman, is an
ordinary, working-class man. This
reflects the modern idea that tragedy
can happen to anyone, not just the
elite. 2. Flawed
Protagonist:
• Willy Loman possesses the tragic
flaw of delusion and an unrealistic
belief in the American Dream.
• This tragic flaw is relatable to a
modern audience, as it represents
the flaws and vulnerabilities of

10. 3. Family and Social
Themes:
• The play explores the impact of
Willy’s choices on his family and
society, making it relevant to
modern audiences dealing with
similar dynamics and societal
pressures. 4.Psychological
Complexity:
• Willy’s inner turmoil, his delusions
and his mental descent are central
to the tragedy.
• This psychological depth adds
layers to the character and
resonates with modern
understandings of human
behavior.

11. 5. Everyday
Settings:
• “Death of a Salesman” unfolds in
an ordinary domestic setting,
making the tragedy more relatable
to the audience’s everyday lives.
6. No Catharsis :
• In “Death of a Salesman,” there is no
clear catharsis or sense of closure.
• The audience is left with a sense of
melancholy and unresolved questions,
reflecting the ambiguity of modern
life.

12. 7. Modern Themes:
• The play addresses modern themes
such as the American Dream,
capitalism, materialism, and the
alienation of the individual in a
consumer-driven society.
• These themes resonate with the
concerns and challenges of the
modern world.
8. Ordinary Language:
• The dialogue in “Death of a Salesman”
is written in ordinary, conversational
language, which is characteristic of
modern drama
• This language connects the characters
and their struggles to the audience on

13. Conclusion:
In conclusion, “Death of a Salesman” is
considered a modern tragedy because
it departs from classical conventions
to focus on the struggles of an
everyday protagonist, explores
contemporary themes, and
emphasizes the psychological and
emotional complexities of the
characters. It captures the modern
human condition, making it a powerful
and relatable tragedy for modern

14. References
• “Death of salesman” ( Wikipedia)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deat
h_of_a_Salesman.
• Dabhi Vipul. “Death of a Salesman
by Author Miller ” Blogspot.
• http://vipuldabhi49.blogspot.com/
2023/09/death-of-salesman-by-
arthur-miller.html
• Images. Google Sources.