June 8, 2010The multiple similarities between the two tragedies “Oedipus the King” and “Death of a Salesman” go beyond the differences and reveal the importance of dramatic tragedy through the ages. . The creativity and innovation of Greek tragedy continues to provide generations with a platform in which they can modify and ultimately bring relevance to their culture. After analyzing these two dramatic tragedies, one can observe distinct similarities regarding the foundations of human nature. This evidence supports the credibility of the age-old saying “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” This article will focus on the following points: similarity analysis, similarities in detail and meaning of similarities regarding "Oedipus the King" and "Death of a Salesman". Originating in Greece, tragedies were and remain a common phenomenon. and popular form of dramatic entertainment. To be considered an authentic tragedy, the protagonist must belong to the aristocracy. This noble character begins the story as a sympathetic person whose fate is announced to the reader with dramatic irony. The reader is aware of the errors of judgment that the protagonist inflicts on himself. As the last to discover his unfortunate fate, the protagonist is devastated. The revelation is too much to bear; therefore, the protagonist either commits suicide or inflicts pain or mutilation on himself. “Oedipus the King” reflects all the essential components of a tragedy; However, “Death of a Salesman” lacks some of these defining characteristics. In “Death of a Salesman,” the protagonist is not a “tragic hero” (Kennedy, Gioia 1282) like Oedipus. He lacks the nobility which is a prerequisite for being...... middle of paper ......e no royal figures; However, Miller managed to create a character that the audience could identify and sympathize with. Abandonment, deception, and figurative blindness are events that were relevant to Greek society and over two thousand years later, these topics remain relevant in our culture as well. The similarities between “Oedipus the King” and “Death of a Salesman” reveal that our culture is still intrigued. by a spectacular innovation created more than 2,400 years ago in Greece. Early tragedies such as “Oedipus the King” continue to serve as a catalyst for modern tragedies such as “Death of a Salesman.” Oedipus and Willy Loman endured the anger of abandonment, tortured themselves by their own deception, and tragically succumbed to their own failings. Modern tragedy is different from what it was in Sophocles' time; however, the fundamentals of the dramatic film remain solid.