Tragedy Defined by Arthur Miller: Othello and Willy Loman

"Tragedy and the Common Man" written by Arthur Miller defines what he feels is a tragedy. There are several different characteristics that Miller feels defines a tragic figure. One is that the main character does whatever he has to do to secure his personal sense of dignity. Another key part of a tragedy is the "tragic flaw" that the main character has. When the character recognizes his tragic flaw, he tries to overcome it, and fails in the process. Willy Loman and Othello definitely fit the description of a tragic figure.
Willy Loman's major flaw was his pride or dignity. He couldn't accept the fact he was getting old and he was losing the respect of people. He tries to hard to be well respected and liked. We know this is true because what he says to his sons when he dreams of the past, "That's why I thank Almighty God you're both built like Adonises. …