... common common-man: a salesman from Brooklyn. Utilizing modern scenery while incorporating the characteristics of an Aristotelian tragedy, Death of a Salesman combines realism and surrealism in the story of a small man swallowed up in a world of sham and shoddy values. Willy Loman is bewildered, well-intentioned, and unsuccessful: "Suddenly I realize I'm going sixty ... , et al 483). However, if Death of a Salesman is truly a tragedy, one must ask what is behind the honors. If this modern story is destined to challenge classic tragedy, or perhaps to take its place alongside, one must look...

• Word Count: 1343
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... to traditional classic tragedy a pattern, a preordained cycle revolving around the family can be seen, much like the family curse in Oedipus Rex. The name Loman is suggestive that the family will never be high on the ladder just as the name Oedipus is suggestive that he will always drag his past behind him. The family curse aspect can be seen in Ben ... ends the proclamation with, "I"m gonna win it for him." Three people with the same goal, economic success and freedom, with what can be assumed the same outcome, death. Alternatively, the story of David Singleman acts as an oracle in the...

• Word Count: 1550
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School