Tragedy and the Common Man

1. In Tragedy and the common man, Miller says that the tragedy has lost its true meaning, and that it is actually affecting common everyday people. "For one reason or another, we are often held to be below tragedy—or tragedy above us. The inevitable conclusion is, of course, that the tragic mode is archaic…"

2. According to Arthur Miller, one quality that causes every tragic hero to fall is the failure to remain passive through his or her tragic flaws. Miller says, "the flaw, or crack in the character, is really nothing—and need be nothing—but his inherent unwillingness to remain passive in the face of what he conceives to be a challenge to his dignity, his image of his rightful status.

3. Based on Miller's point about that quality, the common man fit so perfectly into the role of a tragic hero. It is because, common people tend to get away and avoid problems. Also people don't like to accept the fear or insensitivity or ignorance. Miller said, "But there are among us today, as there always have been, those who act against scheme of things that degrades them, and in the process of action, everything we have accepted out of fear or insensitivity or ignorance is shaken before us and examed…"

4. The one thing that separates the traditional tragic hero from a common everyman tragic hero is the fear. Traditional tragic hero and everyman tragic hero have totally different types of fears. Since most of the tragedies were written in noble's perspectives, they always feared of losing their positions. Unlike them, common everyman tragic heroes fear of being torn away from the world. One thing that is important in his view is that, Miller tries to show how the characteristics of tragedies changed over time.

5. What Miller says about tragedies being viewed as being "pessimistic" is that it is misunderstood. People think tragedy is always related to something pessimistic. But Miller argues that this is not necessarily true. He says that tragedies, in facts, are more optimistic than comedies are. The reason why he thinks tragedies are "optimistic," is that it's the result of the author's brightest opinion on the human.

6. Willy, indeed, is a tragic hero, who is also a victim of the society. The major cause of the downfall was his excessive pride. Even though he actually needed help from others, he couldn't ruin his pride from the world, and tried to be strong in front of everyone. However, inside his deep down heart, it was not the same.

Marriage

Why do you think two people get married? 

I think two people get married because they love each other. If they don't love each other, then they would not even think about getting married. Marriage is a way to tell others that they love each other.

Why do two people stay married? 

Two people stay married because they truly love each other. If they don't care or love each other, I don't think people would stay married. It would be really hard for that person to stay with a person you don't like.

Do you think that one partner should accept the other partner’s “failings” or “flaws”?  Why or why not?

It depends on whether one partner should accept the other partner's “failings” or “flaws”. One partner should accept when he/she knows that the other partner's flaws are pure mistake. But if it's on purpose, it depends on how bad the flaw is.

Do you think there is a limit to what a partner should or should not accept? Explain.

Yes I think there is a limit to what a partner should or should not accept. Just like what I answered for the previous question, it depends on how bad a partner's flaw is. If a partner cheated on the other partner on purpose continuously, then I don't think that person should accept that.

What do you think are some things married couples commonly argue about? Why do you think that is?

Things that married couples commonly argue is about money and what their children should do. Money is really important thing that people need to maintain their family. Once they get a kid, it will cost a lot of money. They have to pay food, education, clothing and more for their kids.

What should you do if you feel that one parent is abusing the other—verbally, emotionally or physically?  Why?

You should confront them if you feel that one parent is abusing the other-verbally, emotionally or physically. I would go up to one parent and say that I would leave the house if he/she keep abusing the other. If that doesn't stop it, then I would call someone to help.

What would you do if you find out that one parent is lying to the other? Why?

If I find out that one parent is lying to the other, I would definitely ask for the reason. Because this is the way that I don't have to use forces. This is the most tranquil and safe way.

Parents

What makes a good parent? 

I believe that a good parent should always take care and think about their kids. Also, they should know whether you are hiding something important from them. Like my mom, she knows if I am lying about something or something happened to me, by just looking at me. That shows how much my parents care about me.

What sorts of things do you talk to your parents about? 

I usually talk about my education to my parents. I also ask my parents for advice when I need to make an important decisions. They usually help me with good advices, and I think parents are very helpful when you don't know what to do. Because they have more experiences with their lives, they know the right decisions. So I think It is very worth discussing with parents like me.

What sorts of things would you talk to a sibling or friend about—but not your parents? 

I don't really like to talk with my brother. Although he is older than me, I feel like my brother just don't take things seriously because it is not his problem. So instead, I usually talk to my friends. I talk about how sometimes my parents don't understand how I feel. I am not sure why, but I feel more comfortable talking to my friends than my parents or my brother.

Do your parents talk to you about their problems? 

No, my parents don't talk to me about their problems. I am not sure why, but I think they don't want me to feel burden with their problems. Personally, I want my parents to share their problems, because although I might not be a big help, but I can at least do something for them.

What sorts of things do teens and their parents fight about? 

Usually teens fight with their parents when their parents don't know how they feel. Parents will always stress you with studies, which will prevent you from hanging out with your friends. Also, some parents don't know what their kids are going through. I think in order to stop the fight between teens and parents is that they have to understand each other.

What are some ways parents can disappoint their children? 

There are many ways parents can disappoint us. Most importantly, we get really disappointed when they started to not trust us. I think it is really important for parents to trust their child. I, personally, get disappointed with my parents when they brawl. Sometimes a fight can start with little thing, but it can expand into a much bigger issue.

What are some ways that children can disappoint their parents? 

One of the ways that children can disappoint their parents is by lying. Parents always trust what their kids say. My parents always tells me that honesty is the most important thing in our lives and warns me to be honest all the time. Another way that children can disappoint their parents is denying parents' commands.

 

Death of Salesman Pre-Reading Questions

1. It is better to live a poor life but live your dreams.

I think it is better to live a poor life but live my dreams because without fulfilling dreams, it is basically a pointless life. Money won't bring happiness to people, rather the accomplishment will bring the happiness for everyone.

2. Lying is ok when trying to keep a good reputation.

I think lying is okay if it is a harmless lie. It all depends on the situation. When a person tries to lie for his/her own gain, then it is wrong. There are some situation where you have to lie to spare the feelings of others.

3. Disillusionment can lead to distrust.

Yes, disillusionment can lead to distrust. Especially when people trusted and respected a person, but this person disappoints his/her supporters. These people can easily feel that they've been betrayed. This usually happens in politics, when politicians don't meet their goals.

4. Flashbacks are a way to relive the past.

I think flashbacks are a way to relive the past. Flashback, itself, is a remembrance of the past. So it will definitely relive the past for a person.

5. Forgiveness leads to peacefulness.

Yes, I agree with this statement. If someone forgive others for their wrong-doing, it won't bring any more quarrel, fights, brawl … etc. Someone has to step up to forgive someone, and it will definitely bring happiness for both of them.

6. It is better to ignore something unpleasant than to face reality.

No, I believe that we have to face reality all the time. Just ignoring something unpleasant won't change anything. It will always be there, and it will annoy you. You have to face something unpleasant to fix and try not to make the same mistake that you have occurred.

7. Happiness consists of having financial stability.

This all depends on how people perceive. If a person is materialistic, they would feel like money will bring happiness for them. However, I disagree with this statement. I think there a lot more things that will bring happiness in our lives. I would say money will bring happiness, but I wouldn't say it is my first priority. I believe that families and friends bring the true happiness.

8. The life of a salesman leads one to be financially stable.

No, everyone has to come together as a unity and work things out to be financially stable. We can't just rely on salesman.

9. Determination always leads an individual to live his/her dreams.

I agree with this statement. Determination will always show a way for a person to achieve his/her goals. Because people with determination won't give up easily on their dreams. People's determination will always be their bridge to their own dreams.

My idea of a perfect job is….

I want a job that gives me reasonable payment, and has a positive work environment. Also, I want my job to be flexible enough to have some good time with my family.

My father/mother worries about…

I am not really sure, but I am pretty sure my parents worry about my studies and my health. My mother asks me how I did at school everyday, and I can tell that my mother worries a lot about my school works.

 

The best thing about my relationship with my father/mother is…

The best thing about my relationship with my parents is that we always have a family discussion. Everyday after dinner, we gather around and talk about things that happened on that day. I think family discussion definitely makes our family become firmly together.

 

Something I do not understand about my father/mother is…

Something I do not understand about my parents is that they don't like me to hang around with my friends a lot. I wish my parents to let me hang out whenever I want. I think they are too strict with parties.

 

Eventually I would like to settle close to/far away from my parents because…

I would like to settle close to my parents because they have been taking care of me. I believe it is right thing to do to pay back their love. Parents deserves these for what they have done for us.