1. Arthur Miller – Death of a Salesman
Revision – Section C
Arthur Miller – Death of a Salesman
John Keats – four poems

2. The Narrative Structure
Death of a Salesman
The Narrative Structure
Can you link any of the tragic concepts to key points in the play?
Pessimism
Pity
Cultural expectations
Suffering
Morality
Jealousy
Fiendishness
Ambition
Racism
Alienation
Sexism
Marginalisation
Corruption
Outsider
Disillusionment
Isolation
Reputation
Fear
Status
Destruction
Fixation
Martyrdom
Naivety
Hypocrisy
Overreaching
Fate
Domestic
Optimism
Control
In groups, decide what the key plot points are and put them onto a diagram of Freytag’s pyramid:
Climax
Complication
Reversal
Rising Action
Falling Action
Inciting incident
Resolution
Exposition
Denouement

3. Recapping: What are the key aspects of tragedy for each text?
Miller – Death of a Salesman
Keats - Lamia
Protagonist
Villain/Antagonist
Tragic flaw
Hamartia
Hubris
Anagnorisis
Peripeteia
Key symbols
Themes
Anything else/how it fits with Aristotle’s definition of tragedy
Protagonist
Villain/Antagonist
Tragic flaw
Hamartia
Hubris
Anagnorisis
Peripeteia
Key symbols
Themes
Anything else/how it fits with Aristotle’s definition of tragedy

4. Section C – writing about two texts
For this section, you will have approximately 45 mins to write on both Keats and Miller
The question will be in debate format, although the statement will be a more general phrase in relation to tragedy
You should spend some time planning this answer first
You do not need to compare texts, although linking phrases are helpful
ESSAY STRUCTURE
Complete an introduction in which you address both text in relation to the question
Then deal with one text (2-3 points)
Use a linking phrase and address the other text (2-3 points)
Conclude by referring to both texts and how far you agree with the statement in question.

5. First, we will look at Death of a Salesman
“Disconnection and isolation from reality is at the heart of the tragic experience.”
To what extent do you agree with this view in relation to two texts you have studied?
Remember to include in your answer relevant comment on the ways writers have shaped meanings.
Mind map ideas for this question, paying particular attention to the key words:
Disconnection
Isolation
Heart of tragic experience

6. Now, choose three sections from DOAS that you could use in an answer to this question:
Example:
Relevant section:
Willy’s flashback in Act 1 – Biff has stolen a ball from school
Quote – p.23
‘Sure he’s gotta practise with a regulation ball doesn’t he? Coach’ll probably congratulate you on your initiative!’
Dramatic method?
Use of flashback; questions Happy and challenges him (Happy is arguably the voice of reason here).
Interpretation:
This flashback reveals that Willy is disconnected from reality as he is not considering the implications of Biff’s stealing. Willy may view this episode fondly, however the audience will understand the mistakes that he has made with his sons. This links back to Biff’s realisation later on that he always ‘blew [him] so full of hot air’.
“Disconnection and isolation from reality is at the heart of the tragic experience.”

7. Groups for today: A B C D E Kathryn Jack F Ellie Elisa Chloe Jack B
Megan
Hannah M
Vijdan
Jasmine
Emily I
Sangiwe
Amie
Anna
Stella
Daniel
Beth
Sanchia
Niamh
Hannah L
Maisie
Starter task:
Look through your essay and read the feedback you have been given
Is there anything that you could add to or change?
If your essay was unfinished, plan what you would include in additional paragraphs.

8. Class Feedback
Many of you are developing an individual critical voice, which is pleasing
Most commented on dramatic effects and/or language features
Clarity of expression is improving
Some really interesting ideas – with many of you developing original ideas
Excellent use of quotes
Several essays were unfinished or lacking in detail
Overall structure should be considered carefully
Developing your own interpretations should be a key focus now
Revising and creating quote banks will help you to remember quotes/key sections of the text in the exam.

9. Recapping the poems Group focus: A – Lamia Part 1 B – Lamia Part 2
C – The Eve of St Agnes
D – Isabella
E – La Belle Dame Sans Merci
You are going to focus on a given poem.
Make notes on key plot points and the tragic aspects, ready to feed back to the group.
Which aspects do you think are the most significant, in terms of tragedy?
What are the key themes/ideas presented by Keats?

10. Recapping: What are the key aspects of tragedy for each poem?
Keats’ Poems
Protagonist
Villain/Antagonist
Tragic flaw
Hamartia
Hubris
Anagnorisis
Peripeteia
Key symbols
Themes
Anything else/how it fits with Aristotle’s definition of tragedy

11. Now, we will look at poem/s from Keats
“Disconnection and isolation from reality is at the heart of the tragic experience.”
To what extent do you agree with this view in relation to two texts you have studied?
Remember to include in your answer relevant comment on the ways writers have shaped meanings.
Mind map ideas for this question, paying particular attention to the key words:
Disconnection
Isolation
Heart of tragic experience

12. Section C Question:
“Disconnection and isolation from reality is at the heart of the tragic experience.”
To what extent do you agree with this view in relation to two texts you have studied?
Remember to include in your answer relevant comment on the ways writers have shaped meanings.
Today you will complete a Section C response on both DOAS and at least one Keats poem.
Homework is to continue with your revision:
Re-reading
Making notes
Recording quotes
Planning essays and writing intros

13. Groups for today: A B C D E Kathryn Jack F Ellie Elisa Chloe Jack B
Megan
Hannah M
Vijdan
Jasmine
Emily I
Sangiwe
Amie
Anna
Stella
Daniel
Beth
Sanchia
Niamh
Hannah L
Maisie
Starter task:
Mind map – tragic villain and tragic victim
How many concepts associated with tragedy can you link to these characters?

14. Silent Debate:
‘In tragedies, the boundaries between villains and victims are continually blurred.’ To what extent do you agree? Feedback: Now, discuss in your groups and decide which ideas you most agree with. Can you suggest evidence for each point? Choose three to feed back with.

15. Sample introduction: ‘In tragedies, the boundaries between villains and victims are continually blurred.’
The tragic tradition is characterised by the inclusion of a character, a typically high status individual that undergoes a downfall as a result of a tragic flaw. At least partially, if not fully responsible for that downfall, is a villain, who is a character inflicting harm on others, acting in their own self-interest. A boundary is a border or a parameter, and the idea that this is continually blurred means that it is consistently unclear. Characters may show traits of both victims and villains. In this sense, the boundaries between victims and villains are indeed consistently blurred as a result of certain authorial methods employed by both writers.
Write down
where you can see conscious definition of the key words in the question
where you can see acknowledgement of genre
An outline of a stance on the debate
Extension tasks
With a partner – discuss how this introduction might be developed further
Re-write the introduction from a different point of view.

16. You now have 10 minutes to plan your response AND write an introduction to any one of the questions below
Write the definition of the highlighted words on your sheets
Then, on your post it note write down whether you agree or disagree with the statement AND bullet point your reasons ( aim for 3), ready for discussion
Practice Questions:
“Disconnection and isolation from reality is at the heart of the tragic experience.”
“At the heart of the tragic experience lies unfulfilling and detrimental relationships between men and women.”
“In tragedies, the boundaries between villains and victims are continually blurred.”
“Tragedies are tales of redemption in which the hero moves from moral blindness to a clearer vision of what really matters.”
To what extent do you agree with this view in relation to two texts you have studied?
Remember to include in your answer relevant comment on the ways writers have shaped meanings