When the article talked about how we have fewer and fewer tragedies nowadays, I completely agree. The reasoning behind the under usage of tragedies, is that most stories want to create a hero. More than likely, people in general would preferably read something that has a lesson to be learned or an overall universal truth. A line that really stuck out to me was when Miller wrote, "Tragedy, then, is the consequence of a man's total compulsion to evaluate himself justly." (Page 1, Line 29) This statement is basically telling the reader that a form of tragedy can be when the hero of the story no longer considers himself the hero. Once the "tragic flaw" is discovered, the hero breaks down and doesn't believe in himself anymore.
The idea of our biggest fear is being displaced, or being torn away from our chosen image or who we are in this world is an interesting one. I agree with the article when it says that this fear is stronger than it ever was. This is when that same idea of envy comes into play. The biggest issue with our society is jealousy. No matter what, the feeling of envy is inevitable. In fact, the common man knows this best. It's easy to compare one another to the "ideal" version of one's self. This part of the article reminded me of the hit show, "Gossip Girl". Serena VanderWoodsen was the "it" girl. She was tall, blonde, and everything that anyone has ever wanted to be. However, her world is flipped upside down numerous times when the social status she spends so long building is destroyed. I feel like the need to constantly be on top is a relatable emotion to our society. Everyone is striving for perfection when they should actually be asking themselves what perfection really is. Is the perfection society is striving for the "ideal" life or being content with themselves?
A powerful statement Miller had was when he said, "The possibility of victory must be there in tragedy." (Page 3, Line 25) Without the chance of victory, there would be no mystery to the story. The reader would already know how it ends. When there is a possibility of victory, the reader has the ability to get their hopes up for victory. The mystery of whether or not the story will end in victory or defeat is what makes a tragedy so engaging.
The idea of our biggest fear is being displaced, or being torn away from our chosen image or who we are in this world is an interesting one. I agree with the article when it says that this fear is stronger than it ever was. This is when that same idea of envy comes into play. The biggest issue with our society is jealousy. No matter what, the feeling of envy is inevitable. In fact, the common man knows this best. It's easy to compare one another to the "ideal" version of one's self. This part of the article reminded me of the hit show, "Gossip Girl". Serena VanderWoodsen was the "it" girl. She was tall, blonde, and everything that anyone has ever wanted to be. However, her world is flipped upside down numerous times when the social status she spends so long building is destroyed. I feel like the need to constantly be on top is a relatable emotion to our society. Everyone is striving for perfection when they should actually be asking themselves what perfection really is. Is the perfection society is striving for the "ideal" life or being content with themselves?
A powerful statement Miller had was when he said, "The possibility of victory must be there in tragedy." (Page 3, Line 25) Without the chance of victory, there would be no mystery to the story. The reader would already know how it ends. When there is a possibility of victory, the reader has the ability to get their hopes up for victory. The mystery of whether or not the story will end in victory or defeat is what makes a tragedy so engaging.