In Arthur Miller's "Tragedy and the Common Man," Miller delves deep to give a meaningful overview and look at tragedy in literature. He begins by establishing the idea that we all can relate to literary tragedy. He discusses our false perceptions when he says, "The inevitable conclusion is, of course, that the tragic mode is archaic, fit only for the very highly placed, the kings or the kingly," Arthur Miller points out that tragedy is not only experienced by higher figures, but is seen every day in lives of the common man. Miller gives the example of the classic formulations, Oedipus and Orestes, which were "enacted by royal beings", but "apply to everyone in similar emotional situations." I agree with Miller's idea that many works of literature can easily be connected and applied to our lives, not only the lives of those similar to those in the work.
Miller continues his analysis of tragedy by recognizing the challenge that many characters face of protecting and securing their sense of personal dignity. He discusses the feelings and emotions that are evoked from us as we read of tragedies that really hit home and connect to challenges and pressures we face in our lives. Miller gives the examples of Orestes, Hamlet, Medea, and Macbeth, saying the "underlying struggle is that of the individual attempting to gain his 'rightful' position in his society." I believe that this really connects to the common man and applies to our society today, with each individual working to gain and protect an esteemed position or fulfill their desire to be well-liked in today's world. Reputation and dignity are things we are always stressing about and trying to defend, and they are also key factors and elements of literary tragedy.
Finally, Miller provides another misconception of tragedy, "the idea that tragedy is of necessity allied to pessimism." He argues that pessimism means a story with an unhappy ending, but tragedies do not always end in a sad manner. Some may confuse tragedy with pathos, where a character has fought a battle that he could not possibly have won. Tragedy provides a possibility of victory, and I agree with Miller that tragedy often portrays the character as a hero, even though they lost. I think tragedy is optimistic in that it demonstrates the incredibly strong will of man.
Arthur Miller's deep look at tragedy in literature was very interesting and it helped me to see tragedy in yet another meaningful way. I think looking at many different views and opinions is a great way to learn and form your own thoughts and understanding. I agreed with many of Miller's thoughts and it was very enjoyable to look more at how we all can connect our lives in today's society with tragedy in literature.
Miller continues his analysis of tragedy by recognizing the challenge that many characters face of protecting and securing their sense of personal dignity. He discusses the feelings and emotions that are evoked from us as we read of tragedies that really hit home and connect to challenges and pressures we face in our lives. Miller gives the examples of Orestes, Hamlet, Medea, and Macbeth, saying the "underlying struggle is that of the individual attempting to gain his 'rightful' position in his society." I believe that this really connects to the common man and applies to our society today, with each individual working to gain and protect an esteemed position or fulfill their desire to be well-liked in today's world. Reputation and dignity are things we are always stressing about and trying to defend, and they are also key factors and elements of literary tragedy.
Finally, Miller provides another misconception of tragedy, "the idea that tragedy is of necessity allied to pessimism." He argues that pessimism means a story with an unhappy ending, but tragedies do not always end in a sad manner. Some may confuse tragedy with pathos, where a character has fought a battle that he could not possibly have won. Tragedy provides a possibility of victory, and I agree with Miller that tragedy often portrays the character as a hero, even though they lost. I think tragedy is optimistic in that it demonstrates the incredibly strong will of man.
Arthur Miller's deep look at tragedy in literature was very interesting and it helped me to see tragedy in yet another meaningful way. I think looking at many different views and opinions is a great way to learn and form your own thoughts and understanding. I agreed with many of Miller's thoughts and it was very enjoyable to look more at how we all can connect our lives in today's society with tragedy in literature.