Modern Critical Approach to Tragedy: Aspects of the Shakespearean Hero in Miller s Death of a Salesman

This study aims to make an overall discussion of Miller's concept of the tragic hero, from a modern criticism's point of view. It also attempts to highlight his critical stance in the light of modern criticism suggesting that the common man is as apt a subject for tragedy in its highest sense as kings were, as both fall victims for their societies, or for certain external circumstances beyond their reach, or for both. The study draws a comprehensive comparison and contrast between the traditional tragic hero in Shakespeare's plays, including Hamlet, King Lear and Macbeth, and Miller's tragic hero in his Death of a Salesman. The study comes to the conclusion that the similarities between the two cases override the differences. Moreover, the study concludes that the tragedy of the common man in Miller's plays, according to the point of view of modern criticism, holds the same social and tragic stature in the minds of the audience and stands on equal footing with the Shakespearean or Greek tragic heroes.