The literary texts i have studied during B.A. programme, write brief note on the texts which followed Aristotelian literary tradition (i.e. his concept of tragedy, catharsis, tragic hero with hamartia etc)

 ∆ write brief note on the "Death of Sales Man" Aristotelian literary tradition.

- Assigned by Dilip Bard sir .

∆ Introduction :-

Death of a Salesman," written by Arthur Miller, can be analyzed in relation to the Aristotelian literary tradition. The play exhibits elements of Aristotelian tragedy through its portrayal of a tragic hero, Willy Loman, and the concept of hamartia, or tragic flaw..

"Death of a Salesman" contains elements of the Aristotelian literary tradition through its portrayal of a tragic hero with a hamartia and its aim to invoke catharsis in the audience. However, the play also introduces complexities that deviate from the traditional model, showcasing how modern works can both adhere to and evolve from classical theories of tragedy.

∆Concept of Tragedy:-

Death of a Salesman" is a play by Arthur Miller that tells the story of Willy Loman, a salesman who becomes disillusioned with his life and struggles with his past, his relationships, and his sense of self-worth. The play explores the American Dream, the challenges of success, and the impact of societal expectations on individuals. Willy's tragic end reflects the consequences of his relentless pursuit of success and his failure to confront his own reality.

∆ Aristotelian literary tradition in "Death of the salesman":-

1.Tragic Hero and Hamartia:

Willy Loman, the protagonist, fits the mold of a tragic hero as described by Aristotle. He is an ordinary man who possesses both noble qualities and flaws. Willy's noble qualities include his devotion to his family and his pursuit of the American Dream. However, his tragic flaw, or hamartia, is his unwavering belief in the illusion of success, which leads him to ignore reality and to create a façade of success. His pride prevents him from recognizing his shortcomings and adapting to change.

2.Catharsis:

The play prompts catharsis in the audience as they watch Willy's downfall. The emotions of pity and fear are evoked, as viewers sympathize with Willy's struggles and mistakes while fearing the consequences of his actions. Witnessing Willy's tragic journey allows the audience to experience a purging of these emotions, in line with Aristotle's concept of catharsis.

3.Reversal and Recognition:

Aristotle also discussed the importance of a "reversal" (peripeteia) and a "recognition" (anagnorisis) in a tragedy. In "Death of a Salesman," these elements are present. Willy experiences a reversal when he realizes that his pursuit of success has led him astray and that he has failed to achieve his dreams. The recognition occurs as he becomes aware of the true nature of his relationships and the hollowness of his ambitions.

4.Unity of Time, Place, and Action:

Aristotle emphasized the unity of time, place, and action in a tragedy. While "Death of a Salesman" doesn't strictly adhere to the unity of time and place, as it shifts between different time periods and locations, it does maintain a focus on the central action—the unraveling of Willy's life and his relationship with his family.

It's important to note that while "Death of a Salesman" shares many elements with Aristotelian tragedy, Arthur Miller also introduced some departures from the traditional model. For instance, the play critiques the American Dream and capitalist society, suggesting that external factors play a significant role in Willy's tragedy. This adds layers of complexity beyond the simple cause-and-effect relationship of classical tragedy.onclusion:- 

∆ Conclusion:-

In conclusion, "Death of a Salesman" embodies key aspects of the Aristotelian literary tradition, such as the portrayal of a tragic hero, the concept of hamartia, catharsis, reversal and recognition, and the exploration of hubris. However, it also introduces modern complexities that challenge and expand upon the traditional model of tragedy

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• Refereces

https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/a/agamemnon-the-choephori-and-the-eumenides/critical-essay/aristotle-on-tragedy

https://www.britannica.com/art/tragedy-literature/Theory-of-tragedyh

ttps://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/645563.