9.2.3

Recognition

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Recognition: Anagnorisis

The concept of 'anagnorisis' has been at the heart of the debate on whether Death of a Salesman can be viewed as a tragedy.

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Aristotle

  • Aristotle categorised 'anagnorisis' as a moment of discovery which allows the tragic protagonist to move from ignorance to knowledge.
  • This concept has also been at the heart of the debate on whether Death of a Salesman can be viewed as a tragedy.
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Moment of discovery

  • For many commentators, Willy remains deluded until the end, never developing the self-knowledge required for a true tragic hero, never questioning his dream.
  • The moment where Biff breaks down after his final confrontation with Willy is perhaps the closest Willy comes to this moment of discovery: “Isn’t that – isn’t that remarkable? Biff – he likes me!”
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The moment is lost

  • But many have pointed out that, immediately after this epiphany (moment of discovery), Willy is once again lost in his dream of Biff’s impending success: “That boy – that boy is going to be magnificent!”
  • The moment of self-discovery is lost.
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Biff as the hero?

  • For critics such as C.W.E Bigsby, it is Biff who undergoes the true moment of discovery in the play.
  • He alone gains the self-knowledge he requires to break away from his father’s ideals.
  • As such, perhaps Biff is the true tragic hero of the play.

Jump to other topics

1Introduction

2Act One

3Act Two

4Extended Passage Analysis

5Character Profiles

6Key Themes

7Writing Techniques

8Historical Context

9Literary Context

10Critical Debates

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