Some critics claim that the lead character in The Death of a Salesman, Willie Loman, can be classified as a tragic figure or hero. However, others claim that the story is merely a "reality check" type of literary work that makes each individual realize his/her own short-comings. Willie Loman exhibits characteristics of both arguments; however, Loman must be classified as a tragic figure and a victim of a society driven by the desire for success and the insatiable love of money. Critics argue that Loman never comes to a realization about his life, and that alone rules the play out as a tragedy. On the other hand, others argue that Willie is simply a victim caught up in the world he is living in and is severely disillusioned about the "American dream", which makes him a tragic hero when he sacrifices himself upon the altar of that American dream.(Stine 322) .
Aristotle, credited with perfecting the tragedy, believed that the key to tragedy was the idea of Catharsis, or the end or goal of tragedy. This "end" is the cleansing of the soul as Aristotle described it. He said that "tragedy brings forth the disturbing feelings of pity and fear." He felt that tragedy actually would heal a person emotionally. (Jacobs 1252-1253) Also, Webster's dictionary gives us the definition: A drama or literary work in which the main character is brought to ruin or suffers extreme sorrow, especially as a consequence of a tragic flaw, moral weakness, or inability to cope with unfavorable circumstances. Loman exhibits characteristics of both of these definitions of tragedy, as does the play itself. .
Loman is certainly the victim of a tragic flaw. This is the fact that he was raised by his mother and, because his father left them to go pursue work, he feels that he must build a "kingdom" for his sons by being a hard worker and being well liked by his peers. (Stine 323).
At the end of the play, Loman comes to realize that even though he has spent his whole life trying to win back his son's trust and adoration, his son loves him and adores him.