Tragedy and the Common Man

Miller’s essay takes on the form of a rhetorical argument, primarily using logos, or appeals to logic, to illustrate his point that tragedy as an art form should be updated for modern times. He begins by stating what he sees as a problem: that modern society thinks itself below tragedy, and that tragedy is now seen as archaic and only fit for those of high social status. The rest of the essay attempts to dismantle this argument using reason and logic, providing specific arguments and addressing potential counterarguments. At several points throughout the essay, Miller brings up a misconception or commonly held belief about tragedy in order to argue against it by using logic and appealing to the audience’s knowledge of famous works of tragedy. By providing his own analysis of the nature and purpose of tragedy and tragic heroes, and in arguing for why they are relevant to common people of the modern era, Miller arrives at his conclusion that the tradition of tragic drama ought to be revived and updated.

Although his essay is argumentative in nature, Miller’s tone is cool and measured; he is more observational than declarative.