1. Homework
In 5-10 sentences, TO BE HANDED IN, write a reflection on the late 1940s-1950s. Is this a time you would want to live? Why or why not? Think of what you know about this time period.
You MUST use MLA headings:
Name
Ms. Koblosh
English 10
Date

2. Arthur Miller Born in 1915 in New York City
Wrote other famous plays such as The Crucible and All My Sons.
Created characters that deals with power conflicts, personal and social responsibility.
Also writes characters who deal with both fears of guilt and hope.
All his stories have a tragic hero: man of greatness destined to fall or suffer.

4. Setting Takes place in the late 1940s in Brooklyn.
Flashbacks do occur back to the 1930s in the Northeast, especially Boston, Mass.

5. Characters from Death of a Salesman
Willy Loman: protagonist/antagonist and main character. Tries to reach for the American dream, however, fails to live up to expectations.
Biff Loman: protagonist/antagonist. “All-American boy,” who fails out of high school, eventually turning into a kleptomaniac. Does not live up to Willy’s expectations.

6. Characters from Death of a Salesman
Linda Loman: faithful wife to Willy. Tries to see the brighter sides of life, however, most realistic in the family.
Happy Loman: youngest son and most successful in the family. Productive in both the business and “relationship” department.

7. Themes The American Dream: the wanting of money and power.
Reality and Illusion: Willy feels that things like money are attainable, but the truth is he is destined for failure.
Betrayal: Willy vs. Biff & Willy vs. Linda, Biff does not want Willy’s life, based on prior events that occurred.
Abandonment: inability for others to stay in their lives, which reflects their futures.

8. New Characters
Howard Wagner – founder of the company that Willy works for.
Son of founder does not appreciate Willy’s history of service, and betrays him due to his success.
Charley – neighbor to Willy and works in a more successful company.
Bernard – Charley’s son who Willy feels his hard working attitude will get him no where without charisma.

9. Important Facts (up to 37)
Willy lies to his sons about his fortunes – he turns out he is less successful than he says.
Biff is favored over Happy – however, over time, Happy shows the success that Biff once had.
In his past, Willy lied to Linda about his success, stating even though they must fix many things in their house, he can afford it.

10. Themes
American Dream – Willy version of his Dream shows that any man who is manly, good looking, charismatic and well-liked deserves success and will naturally achieve it.

11. DO NOW & HOMEWORK
What is the name of Willy’s brother? What is the purpose of his appearance?
HOMEWORK: Essays due tomorrow on family life between modern families & the Lomans.

12. New Characters
Ben – Willy’s brother. Ben died in Africa and left Willy when he was four years old to find their father who abandoned them to go to Alaska.
Ben mocks Willy, just as Willy mocked Charley.
Characterized as a cruel, nasty man.
Willy passes on these traits to his sons.

13. The American Dream
Is the ability to start from nothing and make a fortune.
Ben’s character signifies that a few people can achieve the “rags to riches” version of the American Dream.
Miller’s play suggests that one must be ruthless (or at least a bit wild) in order to achieve it.

14. Characterization Physical appearance Their actions
Events that affect their actions
Internal conflicts
External conflicts