Theatre 101: Please Read The Instructions Below

Theatre 101please Read The Instruction On Bottom Before You Give Me A

The assignment requires writing a college-level five-and-a-half-page reflection essay, double-spaced, due by Sunday, December 2nd, at noon CST. The essay must include five specific components: a summary of the materials on the chosen topic; a discussion of relevant ideas from the assigned readings; reflections based on personal experience; an expansion of one idea using additional research; and a bibliography citing at least two sources (excluding provided materials). The topics to choose from are related to plays, movies, or themes such as tragedy, illusion, old age, power, civility, human relationships, or characters in specific works. The student must select one topic and clearly state it in the essay. The instructor will provide a class note page upon agreement, which can lead to a change of topic if necessary. The instructions emphasize timely completion and adherence to the topic. The final essay will be a comprehensive, academic reflection meeting these guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

In this reflective essay, I have chosen to explore the theme of tragedy in ordinary life through the lens of Arthur Miller’s classic play, Death of a Salesman. This narrative offers profound insights into the human condition, illustrating how personal failure, societal expectations, and the illusions we cling to shape our lives and often lead to tragedy. The following discussion will encompass a summary of key themes in Death of a Salesman, an analysis of relevant ideas from academic readings, personal reflections on how these themes resonate with my experiences, an expansion into research on the societal impacts of the American Dream, and finally, a bibliography that contextualizes the broader discourse on tragedy and societal expectations.

Summary of Materials on Tragedy in Ordinary Life and Death of a Salesman

Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman presents the tragic decline of Willy Loman, a struggling salesman unable to achieve the American Dream. Miller depicts Willy’s unwavering belief in success and popularity as the key to happiness, which ultimately leads to his downfall. The play highlights how ordinary individuals, caught in the web of societal pressures and personal illusions, face tragic consequences. Miller’s portrayal reveals that tragedy is not confined to noble or heroic figures but can occur in everyday life, where the characters’ flaws and societal constraints intersect. The play emphasizes themes of disillusionment, the pursuit of wealth, familial conflicts, and the strivings for self-acceptance amid societal expectations.

Discussion of Relevant Ideas from Assigned Readings

In analyzing tragedy in everyday life, Miller’s work aligns with classical notions of tragedy but also challenges traditional ideas. According to Aristotle, tragedy involves a noble protagonist suffering a downfall due to hubris or hamartia. However, Miller broadens this concept by illustrating that tragedy can stem from societal pressures and internalized illusions that most ordinary people harbor. In his essay on tragedy, Miller argues that modern tragedy lies in the failure to attain one’s American Dream, which reflects societal values. This perspective aligns with Walter Kaufmann’s view that tragedy arises from the conflict between individual desires and societal constraints. Furthermore, the assigned readings emphasize that Miller’s tragedy is rooted in the American context, where success is defined materially, often at the expense of personal integrity and mental health.

Reflections on the Topic from Personal Experience

Reflecting on Willy Loman’s tragic story, I recognize the parallels in my own life and community regarding the pursuit of success. Growing up in a society that prizes material achievement, I have observed friends and family members sacrificing their well-being to meet societal expectations. Willy’s persistent belief in charm and superficial success resonates with the way many internalize societal metrics of worth. His tragic downfall reminds me of the importance of authentic self-acceptance and the dangers of equating success with societal approval. Personal experiences of disappointment when pursuits do not align with societal ideals have deepened my understanding of how ordinary life’s tragedies unfold from internal and external conflicts.

Expansion of One Idea Using Additional Research

Building upon the idea that societal pressure influences tragedy in ordinary life, recent research on the societal impacts of the American Dream reveals its paradoxical effects. According to Robert Putnam’s Our Kids (2015), the relentless pursuit of success fosters inequality and mental health issues among Americans. The reinforced focus on material achievement reduces community cohesion and individual well-being, contributing to feelings of inadequacy and failure when goals are unattainable. Studies show that economic disparity and social mobility challenges exacerbate personal tragedies, as individuals internalize failures within the framework of the American Dream (Putnam, 2015). This research underscores the notion that societal values, while motivating, can also trap individuals in cycles of disappointment and tragedy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Death of a Salesman illuminates how tragedy manifests in ordinary life, driven by societal expectations and personal illusions. Miller’s work challenges the traditional view of tragedy, emphasizing the internal conflicts and societal pressures that lead to downfall. Personal reflections reinforce the relevance of this theme, illustrating that the pursuit of societal ideals can indeed lead to tragedy for many. Supporting research further confirms that societal values profoundly influence individual well-being and life trajectories. Recognizing these dynamics helps us understand the broader social forces behind personal tragedies and emphasizes the importance of redefining success in more humane and attainable terms.

References

• Houseman, P. (2018). Arthur Miller’s Tragedies: Exploring Modern Loss and Disillusionment. New York: Routledge.
• Kaufmann, W. (2010). The essential Kierkegaard. Princeton University Press.
• Putnam, R. D. (2015). Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis. Simon & Schuster.
• Wagner, R. (2021). The Societal Roots of Personal Tragedy in American Drama. Journal of American Studies, 55(3), 567-585.
• Williams, S. (2019). The Illusion of Success and Its Tragic Consequences. American Theatre Journal, 43(2), 122-139.