Death of a Salesman as Modern Tragedy.pptx

Death of a Salesman as Modern Tragedy

1. 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 : [email protected]

2. 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

3. 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 the United States.

4. 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.

5. 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 audience.

6. Classical Tragedy VS Modern Tragedy

7. “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.

8. 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 everyday individuals.

9. 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 .

10. 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.

11. 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 a personal level.

12. 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 audiences.

13. References “Death of salesman” ( Wikipedia) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_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.