Comparing The Tragedy Of Macbeth And Death Of A Salesman
Tyler Ashford
English 12
Period 4
13 December 2015
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.“ Both men, Macbeth and Willy (from the stories “The Tragedy of Macbeth” and “The Death of a Salesman”) seek power. Macbeth is yet slightly hesitant on killing the King Duncan in order to see if the witches prophecy is true about him becoming the new king. Willy also, is trying to do whatever he can to thrive for power in the business world. He fought for power he didn't have and in the end hurt himself. People, including Willy and Macbeth, will go to extremes for power they feel like they deserve, but in the end it might not be worth it. Ambition can drive you to become …show more content…
Although many people have different perspective on it on what makes a tragic hero actually is. Shakespeare believes that a tragic hero is the main character in a tragedy that makes an error in his or her actions which lead to his or her downfall such as kings or queens. Miller has argued that tragedy is not only restricted to Kings, Queens and people of more importance, that a common man is also capable of heroism and tragedy.”I dare do all that may become a man; who dares do more is none.”(Act 1 Scene 7 line 47) Macbeth said. Shakespeare says that in a tragedy the main character rises to greatness, and then continues to fall down a disgrace spiral which leads to their …show more content…
They felt as if what they had was never enough, even though, Macbeth was a great Army general and had just successfully defeating two invading armies. Also, Willy who felt completely defeated himself in not being able to bring money to pay bills, thought suicide was the only answer however, Willy’s wife Linda, just paid off the house payment before he killed himself, yet he never knew and never will. Power is only one of the many relations between these two stories. These two almost polar opposite plays have many similarities, however power is one of the biggest. It is crazy to see how people can change and become so desperate over something that is easily given within
English 12
Period 4
13 December 2015
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.“ Both men, Macbeth and Willy (from the stories “The Tragedy of Macbeth” and “The Death of a Salesman”) seek power. Macbeth is yet slightly hesitant on killing the King Duncan in order to see if the witches prophecy is true about him becoming the new king. Willy also, is trying to do whatever he can to thrive for power in the business world. He fought for power he didn't have and in the end hurt himself. People, including Willy and Macbeth, will go to extremes for power they feel like they deserve, but in the end it might not be worth it. Ambition can drive you to become …show more content…
Although many people have different perspective on it on what makes a tragic hero actually is. Shakespeare believes that a tragic hero is the main character in a tragedy that makes an error in his or her actions which lead to his or her downfall such as kings or queens. Miller has argued that tragedy is not only restricted to Kings, Queens and people of more importance, that a common man is also capable of heroism and tragedy.”I dare do all that may become a man; who dares do more is none.”(Act 1 Scene 7 line 47) Macbeth said. Shakespeare says that in a tragedy the main character rises to greatness, and then continues to fall down a disgrace spiral which leads to their …show more content…
They felt as if what they had was never enough, even though, Macbeth was a great Army general and had just successfully defeating two invading armies. Also, Willy who felt completely defeated himself in not being able to bring money to pay bills, thought suicide was the only answer however, Willy’s wife Linda, just paid off the house payment before he killed himself, yet he never knew and never will. Power is only one of the many relations between these two stories. These two almost polar opposite plays have many similarities, however power is one of the biggest. It is crazy to see how people can change and become so desperate over something that is easily given within