Tragedy and the Common Man - by Arthur Miller

Why does Miller believe that Tragedy is written less?

Most people believe that "the tragic mode is archaic, fit only for the very highly placed". People think that tragedy is an old form of literature that only applies to the highest in society - not the common man.

What does Miller believe to link all tragic characters together?

He believes that they are characters that are "ready to lay down" their life to secure "personal dignity". And that the underlying struggle in all tragic characters (hubris), is attempting to "gain his "rightful" position in his society". Through doing so, their character gains "size" - something that has been incorrectly connected to social status.

What does Miller think of the "tragic flaw"?

He also explains that the "tragic flaw" is not "necessarily a weakness" but instead just the "unwillingness to remain passive in the face of what he conceives to be a challenge to his dignity". Only the passive are "flawless".

What does Miller say we learn from tragedy?

Miller explains that from tragedy we discover "moral law". This is right or wrong, basic fundamental good and bad of the universe - things that should advise us in our lives.

What does Miller say isn't "indispensable"?

In the piece, Miller explains that if "rank or nobility" were "indispensable" parts of a character, then wouldn't the problems that come with the rank be the tragedy? Thus, "rank or nobility" doesn't matter when it comes to whether or not a character is tragic.

What does Miller believe the writer needs to appreciate when writing tragedy?

Miller thinks that tragedy "requires the finest appreciation by the writer of cause and effect". Basically summarising that tragedy must have a reason for taking place (the hamartia).

Does Miller believe that tragedy is pessimistic or optimistic?

Miller, unlike disagrees with the "misconception" of tragedy that it is pessimistic. He believes that it is optimistic as in tragedies, there "lies the belief" in the "perfectibility of man".

What does Miller believe is the "essence" of the tragic hero?

Miller believes that the tragic hero is "intent upon claiming his whole due as a personality" and that this struggle must be "total without reservation" which "demonstrates the indestructible will of man to achieve his humanity".

What "quality" in tragic plays does Miller believe make us scared the most?

Miller believes that the "underlying fear of being displaced" and "being torn away from our chosen image of what and who we are in the world" is what terrifies us.