推销员之死分析解析

Aristotle says,
“There remains, then, the character between two extremes – that of a man who is not eminently good and just, yet whose misfortune is brought about not by vice or depravity, but by some error or frailty. He must be someone highly renowned and prosperous.” On Poetry and Music, 330 B.C.
What are Willy’s character traits thus far?
The good: • love for his wife • love for his sons, esp. Biff • Hardworking; can endure suffering • loyalty to his company; • devoted to the concept of the strength & beauty of America; self-less • idealistic
On Poetry and Music
furthermore
Heroes must • be true to life • be consistent • They must also make an important selfdiscovery: Oedipus learns that while he is a great and noble man, he is subordinate to the gods.
Aristotle and the hero – the ancient view
• • • • • A mixture of good and bad personality traits Of high moral worth Elevated above the common man “larger than life” Possessing a character flaw and/ or ignorant of a key fact (Aristotle’s life: 384 – 322 B.C.)
Arthur Miller: Connections to the Past
Character: The Hero – a modern view
“ a man or woman admired for his achievements and noble qualities; one who shows great courage. “ Webster’s, 1998 ed.
“Tragedy is an imitation of persons who are above the common level [and thus] the example of good portrait painters should be followed. They, while reproducing the distinctive form of the original, make a likeness which is true to life and yet more beautiful. So, too, the poet, in representing
Frumkin continues
“Heroism is a matter of choice, of a decision made and an action taken. Suffering isn’t. Obviously the two are not mutually exclusive, but they are far from identical.”
men who are irascible or indolent, or have other defects of character, should preserve the type and yet ennoble it.”
The chorus in Antigone notes,
“Wonders there are many, but none more wonderful than human beings.”
Aristotle continues,
“The hero experiences the change of fortune from good to bad. It should come about, as the result, not of vice, but of some great error or frailty in a character.”
• Biff says in the Requiem, “Charley, the man didn’t know who he was.” • Can a character be a tragic hero if he never attains self-knowledge?
Aristotle’s reflections on tragedy
The bad: • arrogant • self-deceiving • unfaithful to Linda in the past • not wholly honest • quick tempered
wk.baidu.com
What is a hero?
• According to editorial writer and Nazi concentration camp survivor, Si Frumkin, a hero is one who can • Make conscious choices • Endure great suffering