Recognition
English Lit: AQA A Level Death of a Salesman, topic 9.2.3
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 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
- 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
- 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?
- 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.
Test yourself on Recognition
Who does critic C.W.E Bigsby say undergoes the moment of discovery in Death of a Salesman?
How do many commentators perceive Willy's experience of realisation (anagnorisis)?