1. Read Death of a Salesman
Approaches to the Final (what follows are several suggestions as to how one may analyze this classic American tragedy
1. Select one of the principle characters (Willie, Linda, Biff, Happy) and focus the body of your essay on him/her–what motivates this character? what values system? How has the character evolved/devolved over the course of the play?
2. Explore interpersonal relationships between two characters (i.e. Willy/Linda, Willie/Biff, Linda/Biff, Biff/Happy).
3. A central theme in this play deals with the American Dream. What statement is Miller making about the American Dream? How does Willie define it? Biff? Happy?
4. Literary scholars en mass have labeled Willie Loman an American tragic hero. Define “Tragic Hero” in literature. Make the argument that Willie is a tragic hero and if s, what is the tragic flaw that leads to his demise?
5. This play is richly underscored with symbolism. Several examples: the characters’ names (ie Willie LO-MAN), Biff’s high school football trophy, references to “planting” the recurring sound of the flute (see film), etc.