The Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller in Classical Greek TragedyThe Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller is an interesting and complex play which takes place during a time of great change in America. Some believe it to be one of the few classic tragedies written in modern times. Although at first glance, this play and these characters do not seem to have the definition of tragedy described by Aristotle. In a modern context, I think it might come very close to fitting that mold. Willy is a person who has always been a dreamer. Willy is very proud and independent in his approach to life. So much so that his attitude contributes to his overall downfall. The character Willy lives in a time of great change in America. Willy's job and the American way of life that he loved and felt safe with overtook him. As his life and work slip away from him, Willy's attempts to hold his dreams and his family together continue to deteriorate to the point where all he has left are his memories. The main character Willy Loman has a certain brutal appeal. He is married with children, and he supports his family both financially and emotionally. Willy encourages his children when they are younger. Willy certainly shows the ability to be great, at least in the eyes of his family and his children and that seems important to him. Willy's children and wife see him as a great man and a great father, as all loving grandchildren and wives do. The children, especially Biff, idolized him as a person in their youth. This is characterized by the way Biff "simonized" the car as a child. Biff hangs on his father's every word; wanting to know where he was during his travels and if he can come and carry his suitcases. When Biff found out he had failed math, surely his greatest moment of...... in the middle of the test for Willy, it certainly wasn't necessary. Her house is almost paid, her other bills are also almost paid. Charley offered him a job several times. Willy, he can't let someone else give him the answer, fix things for him, or give him a job like Charley or Ben have repeatedly offered. Willy must do it himself, he must complete the task because he is Willy Loman. This is certainly the case when he decides to end his life and he is not sad about doing so. Willy is really excited and enthusiastic. He's found a way to give Biff a chance to make something of himself with the life insurance money, and he avoids having to admit that he's not the man he introduced himself. Willy is not doing this for profit or to hurt anyone, it is a solution to a problem that Willy can provide. The ultimate sale so to speak.