1. Arthur Miller and Death of a Salesman

2. The American Dream What are some ideas associated with the American Dream? How do these ideas affect all people living in America?

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. Private Life

7. Famous Plays Wrote 25 plays – many of which were on Broadway or made into movies

8. Setting in Death of a Salesman Most of action in Brooklyn, NY at Loman’s house and yard Some set in Boston, MA

9. Major Characters Protagonist – Willy Loman – Salesman – Growing older – Father to two sons and husband to Linda – Antagonist – The American Dream

10. 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

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

12. 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?

13. 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?