Death of a Salesman – Final Writing Assignment



Death of a Salesman – Final Writing Assignment

You must choose three of the following six writing topics. They are all drawn from either the “debate” questions we will be considering today in class, or other issues of the play that we have discussed. It is in your best interests to take notes today even if you are not the person submitting the final copy of your answers.

Each of the three essays you write must be in fully developed paragraphs (how many is up to you) with topic sentences and specific details. All of them should use quotes from the play, correctly cited. Introduction should reference author and title, but address the questions directly and concisely. (See examples on the board).

The three essays are due by the end of the week we come back from break (so on or before Friday May 4 – note to period 8, we do not meet that Friday).

The topics are below:

1. Write a well-developed analysis of Biff. Be sure it talks about what his internal conflict is and how he resolves it, and that it explains his epiphany.

2. Write about the ways in which Death of a Salesman is critical of the business world. Biff, Happy, and Willy should all be discussed or referred to in your essay.

3. Much of the play focuses on Willy and Biff, but what about Happy? Write about Willy’s relationship with Happy. Include a discussion of Happy’s rejection of Willy in the restaurant, and of the ways Happy ironically turns out a lot like Wily.

4. Write an analysis of Linda. Discuss whether you see her as a strong or weak character and whether you see the way she treats Willy as a good thing or a bad thing.

5. In the Requiem scene, Biff insists his father had “the wrong dreams. All, all wrong,” and Happy challenges him “don’t say that.” Considering what you know about Willy’s aptitude (or lack thereof) for sales and the business world, and his love of nature and ability with his hands, elaborate on Biff’s conclusion with specifics.

6. In Death of a Salesman Arthur Miller makes extensive use of repeating images or “motifs”

to help make clear his meaning. In an essay, make reference to any three of them as you discuss the reality and illusions of the Loman family.

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