Research Paper Outline: Death of a Salesman Analysis and Review

This report presents an outline for a research paper analyzing Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman'. The paper explores the concept of a tragic hero, contrasting the classical definition with the modern interpretation exemplified by Willy Loman. It examines Loman's character, his tragic flaws rooted in his delusions, and his pursuit of the American Dream, which ultimately leads to his downfall. The outline discusses the play's construction of characters and the evolution of the tragic hero archetype, especially within the context of 1940s America. The paper intends to demonstrate how Loman represents individuals struggling for self-identity in a commercialized society, ultimately questioning whether he is a creation or a reflection of society. The paper concludes that Loman is a modern tragic hero whose quest for the American dream ends in tragedy.

Running Head: OUTLINE FOR RESEARCH PAPER ON DEATH OF A SALESMAN
Outline for research paper on Death of a Salesman
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1OUTLINE FOR RESEARCH PAPER ON DEATH OF A SALESMAN
This aim of this paper to discuss the character of Willy Loman in Arthur Miller’s
Death of a Salesman and the establishment of his character as a tragic hero. The introduction
discusses the differences that lie in the definition of classical tragedy as well as a tragic hero,
and the contrast between the contemporary tragic heroes who is a common man. The paper
then discusses the classical definition of a tragedy by pointing out that "tragedy is a story of
exceptional calamity leading to the death of a man of high estate because of his tragic flaw."
However, further evidence is required in order to totally consider Loman as a classical tragic
hero because he is a common man. The paper then discusses how the drama builds up the
characters in the plot and hence highlights the way in which the definition of tragedy and that
of a tragic hero has undergone a lot of changes. Loman is definitely tragic hero of modern
times who belongs to the America of 1940’s and possesses the desire to become “someone”
in society. There are discussions regarding the subversion of the tragic hero in Miller’s essay
Tragedy and the Common Man. The essay then discusses his tragic flaws that are rooted in
his own delusions, which destroy the American Dream by turning it into a nightmare. The
paper concludes by stating that Loman is a modern tragic hero who sent out in search of the
American dream and ended up being a puny man. Hence, in the drama, Willy Loman is the
representation of individuals who make attempts of survival, and their quest for self-identity
succumbs in a capitalistic society of the commercialized world. He is the tragic hero whom
the audience recognizes themselves with and wonders whether he is a creation or a reflection.