Is Willy Loman a tragic hero?
According to the definition of tragic hero by Aristotle, the main points that need to be considered are 1. Noble birth. 2. Noble characteristics. 3. Position of power. 4. A single flaw. 5. A complete downfall. 6. That downfall caused by the single flaw. 7. A recovery. 8.The story must cause the reader/listener to feel: a) pity (for the downfall) b) awe (at the recovery) c) fear (that they may face a comparable downfall and be unable to recover.)
The first criterion for a tragic hero is hamartia, or a tragic flaw in the character's personality that brings about their downfall. Willy Loman definitely does possess a tragic flaw, and in his case it is pride. …
