Death of a Salesman Activity 2 1. How do the set’s appearance, sound, lighting, and the actors’ placement and movement facilitate the suggestive switches in time in Willy’s mind? Find four examples. 2. Themes or subjects: Family Relationships and Memory/Nostalgia. Find two quotes that deal with each and describe how the theme permeates the play. 3. Find two quotes that portray Willy. Discuss the symbolism of his name “Loman.” Find as many different aspects of his character as you can.

Death of a Salesman Themes Hope o Consider the hopes and dreams of the characters. Think about both the positive and negative impacts of hope on the characters in this story. Freedom (and lack of Freedom) o What form does freedom take for each of the characters? What does it take for these characters to be “free?” Hope o Consider the hopes and dreams of the characters. Think about both the positive and negative impacts of hope on the characters in this story. Freedom (and lack of Freedom) o What form does freedom take for each of the characters? What does it take for these characters to be “free?”

Death of a Salesman Themes Family Relationships/Family Values o o How do the members of this family interact? What are the expectations for each other? What are their relationships like? Are they healthy? What are the values of this family? American Dream o o What image of the American dream is portrayed? Where do these goals come from? What are the setbacks? Who attains their American Dream? Who doesn’t? What’s the difference? Family Relationships/Family Values o o How do the members of this family interact? What are the expectations for each other? What are their relationships like? Are they healthy? What are the values of this family? American Dream o o What image of the American dream is portrayed? Where do these goals come from? What are the setbacks? Who attains their American Dream? Who doesn’t? What’s the difference?

Death of a Salesman Themes Nostalgia vs. Memory o o Nostalgia and memory are similar terms, although nostalgia carries connotations of “fond memories” which may or may not have occurred as remembered. During the play, nostalgia and memory have a profound effect on the characters. What is the impact of time? Which of these terms do you think is more true of Willy’s thoughts? What makes you think so? Nostalgia vs. Memory o o Nostalgia and memory are similar terms, although nostalgia carries connotations of “fond memories” which may or may not have occurred as remembered. During the play, nostalgia and memory have a profound effect on the characters. What is the impact of time? Which of these terms do you think is more true of Willy’s thoughts? What makes you think so?

Death of a Salesman Activity 3 1. Write an explanation of the following statement, using four examples that back up the idea that Willy’s past actions have created the inescapable position he is in now. 2. Themes or subjects: American Dream and Hope. Explain the themes and find two quotes that deal with each. 3. Find two quotes that portray Biff. Discuss the symbolism of his name. Find as many different aspects of his character as you can.

Death of a Salesman Activity 4 1. Linda must take part of the blame for the tragedy of Willy. Explain and use two quotes for examples. 2. Themes or subjects: Personal attractiveness and success; nature or country vs. the city. Find two quotes that deal with each and describe how the theme permeates the play. 3. Find two quotes that portray Happy. Find as many different aspects of his character as you can.

Death of a Salesman Discussion Questions 1. What is Willy’s dream? What is he searching for throughout the play? Why doesn’t he find it? Did he have a chance of fulfilling it? Did he have the wrong dream? Inappropriate attitudes? Is he a born loser, or does he stand in his own way to success? Explain. 2. What is the effect of having scenes from the past staged in addition to the current action of the play? 3. Some reviewers believe that the play is a criticism of capitalism and the American way of life. Discuss your reasons for agreeing or disagreeing with them. What are the social implications of the play?

Death of a Salesman Jigsaw 1. We will count off by 6s to form groups. Once you have your number move to your assigned area of the room. 2. You will summarize/ “translate” your assigned paragraphs. 3. You will have 30 minutes to complete your section of the jigsaw handout. 4. Once the timer has gone off, I will reassign groups so that each group now has a member of each number in it. You will “teach” the other members of your group about your section of the essay. 5. They will write down your answers in their notes as you are teaching them. 1. We will count off by 6s to form groups. Once you have your number move to your assigned area of the room. 2. You will summarize/ “translate” your assigned paragraphs. 3. You will have 30 minutes to complete your section of the jigsaw handout. 4. Once the timer has gone off, I will reassign groups so that each group now has a member of each number in it. You will “teach” the other members of your group about your section of the essay. 5. They will write down your answers in their notes as you are teaching them.

Arthur Miller’s “Tragedy and the Common Man” 1. What is Miller’s definition of a tragedy? 2. What is Miller’s definition of a hero? 3. What is Miller’s definition of a tragic hero? 4. What is Miller’s definition of tragic flaw? 5. What does Miller mean when he writes that, “Tragedy enlightens – and it must in that it points the heroic finger at the enemy of our freedom”? 6. According to Miller what makes it possible for the common man to gain “tragic stature”?

To what extent is Willy Loman a tragic hero?