arthur miller and death of a salesman. the american dream what are some ideas associated with the...
TRANSCRIPT
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?