How does Hubris connect with Death of a Salesman?
Hubris: Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance Willy Loman arrogantly believes that he’s better than he really is, he doesn’t believe he needs skills or experience, or has to work hard to achieve success and is obssessed with the materialistic success of the ‘American dream’. He thinks luck will bring him his desired fortune. Later in the play after Willy has lost his job, Charley, Loman’s neighbor, offers him work but Loman refuses the job mainly out of hubris. So the play revolves around the question of greatness, Loman’s downfall arises directly from his misconception of himself as someone capable of greatness when in reality it’s beyond him.
