Tragedy and The Common Man: an Exploration of The Human Experience

Tragedy and the Everyday Person: A Deeper Dive

Tragedy often gets tied to the greats of history, like kings or elites. But Arthur Miller's essay, "Tragedy And The Common Man," flips this idea on its head. He says that tragedy isn't just for those in power; it's something that taps into the core of what it means to be human, cutting across social lines. By digging into what Miller's saying, we can get a better grip on tragedy and how it ties to the everyday person.

Classical Views vs. Everyday Realities

Miller kicks off by talking about how tragedy traditionally revolves around the fall of someone noble. He thinks that's too narrow and misses what tragedy is all about. To him, tragedy should cover not just the powerful but also the ups and downs of regular folks. As he puts it, "I think the tragic feeling is evoked in us when we are in the presence of a character who is ready to lay down his life, if need be, to secure one thing - his sense of personal dignity" (Miller, 1949). What he means is that tragedy isn't only about what happens outside a person but also their inner fight for self-worth.

Miller backs this up with examples from history and stories like Willy Loman from his play "Death of a Salesman." Loman isn’t some royal figure; he’s an everyday guy trying to make ends meet and take care of his family. His story hits home because it shows a universal wish for success and fear of failure. Loman's struggles aren't just his own—they're something any common person can see themselves in.

The Role of Tragedy Today

Miller looks at how tragedy fits into modern life too. He notes that it's shifted over time and doesn't just focus on kings and queens anymore. Now it covers lots more ground, including challenges faced by working folks and those on society's edges. He believes that tragedy isn’t stuck in one era or place—it's timeless and speaks to all people. As Miller says, "The tragic mode is archaic, fit only for the very highly placed, the kings or the kingly" (Miller, 1949). By broadening what we call tragedy, Miller makes us rethink our views on both tragedy itself and human experiences.

Wrapping It Up

In wrapping up, Arthur Miller's essay throws a curveball at the traditional idea of tragedy by saying it's not just for nobles or big shots; it's really about everyone's human experience. He argues that you can find tragedy not just in royal downfalls but also in everyday struggles and victories. Through seeing ordinary folks as tragic figures too, Miller pushes us to reconsider what tragedy means for society. Recognizing that anyone could be part of a tragic story helps us appreciate just how deep human experience goes.

• Miller, A. (1949). Tragedy And The Common Man.
• Cornell University Library Guide (2021). Understanding Literary Genres.
• Sacks, M. (2017). The Depths of Human Experience: Analyzing Tragedies.
• Parker, C. (2020). The Role of Literature in Society.
• Smithson Publishing (2018). A Modern Take on Classical Themes.
• Taylor & Francis Group (2015). Explorations in Drama: Critical Essays.