1. Tragic Flaw ("Hamartia"):
- Willy's excessive reliance on blind optimism, self-delusion, and a distorted view of reality serves as his tragic flaw. He constantly deludes himself with dreams of success and recognition without taking practical steps to achieve them.
2. Hubris and Pride:
- Willy is consumed by a misplaced sense of pride, believing in his own greatness but lacking the necessary skills and accomplishments to back it up. His pride blinds him to the reality of his deteriorating life and prevents him from embracing change.
3. Failure to Adapt:
- Willy is unable to adapt to the changing business world, which has moved beyond the traditional door-to-door salesmanship that he knows. His rigidity and inability to learn new methods contribute to his downfall.
4. Idolizing the Past:
- Willy clings to an idealized past, reminiscing about his younger days when he believed he was successful and well-liked. This constant comparison with a past that no longer exists leads him to neglect the present and diminishes his chances for future success.
5. Misguided Dreams and Values:
- Willy instills in his sons the importance of popularity and material success, even though these aspirations are superficial and unattainable. His distorted values lead him and his family down a path of disillusionment.
6. Isolation and Loneliness:
- Willy's self-deception and delusions alienate him from his family and friends. He becomes isolated and lonely, which exacerbates his depression and hastens his downfall.
7. Fateful Actions and Consequences:
- Willy's actions, such as his affair and his failed attempts at success, ultimately lead to his tragic end. His choices have dire consequences for himself, his family, and those around him.
8. Catharsis and Pity:
- Willy's tragic fate evokes a sense of catharsis in the audience, who recognize his flaws and empathize with his struggle. His downfall also generates pity, as the audience witnesses his descent into despair and self-destruction.
Thus, Willy Loman's tragic nature arises from his fatal flaws and how these flaws lead him towards a tragic end. He symbolizes the struggles of the common man in a rapidly changing world, highlighting the themes of illusion, disillusionment, and the pursuit of the American dream.