Arthur Miller believes that tragic feeling is evoked in readers when they witness a character prepared to sacrifice everything, even their life, to uphold their personal dignity.
Miller's Perspective on Evoking Tragic Feeling
According to renowned playwright Arthur Miller, the profound sensation of tragic feeling in an audience or reader emerges specifically when they encounter a character who demonstrates an unwavering readiness to lay down their life, if need be, for the sake of one crucial element: their sense of personal dignity.
This perspective emphasizes a key departure from classical tragedy, which often focused on the downfall of kings or figures of high status. Miller's view highlights the inherent value placed on an individual's self-respect and integrity, suggesting that the ultimate sacrifice made to preserve this dignity is what truly resonates with and moves an audience. It underscores the idea that tragedy is not limited to the grand and the powerful, but can be deeply felt through the struggles of the common individual striving to maintain their self-worth against overwhelming odds. This powerful commitment to one's inner value, even above survival, is what Miller identifies as the catalyst for tragic empathy and understanding.
For more information on Arthur Miller's contributions to American literature and his views on tragedy, you can explore resources from institutions like the National Endowment for the Humanities.
