Another example of Willy's inferiority is when his son Biff catches him with another woman. This haunts him because he sees it as part of the reason for why Biff doesn't love him. Willy's major flaw is his "total compulsion to evaluate himself justly" (Miller 1368). The circumstances occurring in his life and the identity he has created for himself are being confronted by his conscience to "evaluate himself justly" (Miller 1368).
Willy refuses to allow himself to just sit by when his dignity and image are being challenged. He wants to take action rather than just sit by and become outdated. Willy continually argues with those around him in order to try to keep his personal dignity and the feeling that he is in control. He doesn't want to allow himself to disappear into the sea of other people in the world, because he believes he is someone, not just "a dime a dozen", he is "Willy Loman", top salesman, husband, and father (Miller 1362).
Willy Loman most definitely meets Arthur Miller's definition of a tragic hero, and he connects with most of the requirements. The main reason that one is led to this conclusion is the simple fact that Willy takes his own life. As soon as Willy receives the assurance that Biff loves him, he does the only thing he can to give Biff some sort of recompense for all the ways he has wronged him; he takes his own life. He does it unselfishly so that Biff will receive the insurance money, and have a chance at a better life. It is here that one can see that Willy's sincere desire is directed toward something greater than himself, his image, or his success. His only motivation in committing this act is his love for his son.
In taking his own life Willy's primary focus has gone beyond himself, and this is what elevates him to hero status. However, Willy is a tragic hero and accordingly he has tragic flaws. Willy's major flaw is that he is unable to see things in a more realistic perspective.
