Character Quote by Arthur Miller
“I think the tragic feeling is invoked in us when we are in the presence of a character who is ready to lay down his life, if need be, to secure one thing -- his sense of personal dignity.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, 1949
A character's willingness to sacrifice for personal dignity evokes deep tragedy.
In simple terms: Sacrificing for dignity is tragic.
Key Takeaway
Honor personal dignity above all.
Themes
dignity
tragedy
heroism
humanism
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
dramatic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- facing moral dilemmas
- standing up for principles
- personal sacrifice
Key Concepts
existential choice
moral integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- What does personal dignity mean to you?
- When is sacrifice justified?
A Different Perspective
The focus on dignity may ignore practical consequences.
![“(Looking at the letter in his hand) Then what is this if it isn’t telling me? Sure, [Larry] was my son. But I think to him [the pilots killed] were all my sons. And I guess they were, I guess they were” quote by Arthur Miller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3e8/arthur-miller-947_killed_looking-at-the-letter-in-his-hand-then-w_55336.jpg)
