Arthur Miller and Death of a Salesman

The American Dream

• What are some ideas associated with the American Dream?

• How do these ideas affect all people living in America?

Activity

• Write a list of ideas associated with the American Dream.

• Put each idea into 3-4 categories. • Then draw a picture representing each

category and idea surrounding the American Dream.

Arthur Miller

• Born in New York in 1915 to a Jewish family• Parents lost “everything” in stock market crash• Worked odd jobs to attend University of

Michigan• Learned to write plays for an intended effect

Controversies

• Wrote The Crucible about the Salem Witch Trials and McCarthyism

• Met with Un-American Activities committee• Miller refused to “name names” and was

convicted of contempt of Congress

Private Life

Famous Plays

• Wrote 25 plays – many of which were on Broadway or made into movies

Setting in Death of a Salesman

• Most of action in Brooklyn, NY at Loman’s house and yard

• Some set in Boston, MA

Major Characters

• Protagonist – Willy Loman– Salesman– Growing older– Father to two sons and husband to Linda

– Antagonist – The American Dream

Sons

• Biff – Willy’s oldest son– Star athlete– Struggling find life’s meaning now as adult

• Happy – Willy’s younger son– More of a minor character– Works at a store– womanizer

Wife

• Linda – Willy’s Wife– Very devoted to Willy– Stays at home– Realizes her husband’s struggles

Themes and Ideas

• The American Dream• Family Life• Lies and Deception

• As you read ask this question: How do you see these themes unfolding within the play?

Tragedy

• Always has a “hero” with fatal flaw• “hero” is popular or rich• controlled by fate• Emphasizes evil• Must end in catastrophe brought on by hero

As you read ask this question: Is this play a tragedy in the classic form or not?