9.2.3
Recognition
Recognition: Anagnorisis
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.
Aristotle
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.
Moment of discovery
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!”
The moment is lost
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.
Biff as the hero?
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.
1Introduction
1.1Introductions
2Act One
3Act Two
4Extended Passage Analysis
5Character Profiles
5.1Willy & Linda Loman
5.2Biff & Happy Loman
5.3Other Characters
6Key Themes
7Writing Techniques
7.1Structure
7.3Expressionism
8Historical Context
8.1Historical Context
9Literary Context
9.1Tragedy
10Critical Debates
10.1Introduction
10.2The Marxist Reading
10.3The Feminist Reading
10.4The Eco-Critical Reading
10.5Other Debates
Jump to other topics
1Introduction
1.1Introductions
2Act One
3Act Two
4Extended Passage Analysis
5Character Profiles
5.1Willy & Linda Loman
5.2Biff & Happy Loman
5.3Other Characters
6Key Themes
7Writing Techniques
7.1Structure
7.3Expressionism
8Historical Context
8.1Historical Context
9Literary Context
9.1Tragedy
10Critical Debates
10.1Introduction
10.2The Marxist Reading
10.3The Feminist Reading
10.4The Eco-Critical Reading
10.5Other Debates
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