Death of a Salesman: 1-35

 

Introduction

This play has rather rapidly climbed the hill to the pantheon of American literature. Possibly it is not as great as other play, however it does strike a uniquely American chord.

Questions

Think about and comment on the following questions.

1. In the recent Kinsley essay at the end of Time magazine, Kinsley commented that the strengths of Bill Clinton are also his weaknesses. For example,his ability to campaign and to work an audience springs from the same spring as his "womanizing."

What are Willy Loman’s strengths?

 

How can they also be weaknesses?

 

2. Biff and Happy are both older than you would initially think. What are their weaknesses? Why are they in the house?

What does that simonizing story tell about the family, beyond the obvious.

 

3. A tragedy must have a tragic hero, a man who is greater than his fellow man, but has one flaw. How is Willy greater than other men?

 

4. Linda, his wife, is described in an odd way. She "more than loves him" but represses her disapproval because she "shares the turbulent longings within him."

What does this say about their marriage? Explain.

 

Death of a Salesman: 35-End of Act I

 

Introduction

Willy wanders through time, space, and walls.

Questions

Answer one of the following questions fully.

1. Why does Willy lie to his wife?

Why doesn’t she chastise him?

2. How does Willy think Ben got his money?

3. Why is he mean to Charley?

4. What is wrong with Biff and Happy?

How might Willy have had a part in that?

5. Why did the business take him off salary?

6. Why might he be thinking of suicide?

 

Death of a Salesman: Act II: 70-100

 

Introduction

Happy and Biff, in business together. Maybe.

Questions

Answer the following questions.

• What momentous accomplishment is about to happen?

How does that show a bad choice for Willy?

• Why is Howard more concerned with the machine than Willy?

• What does the story about Dave Singleman show about Willy?

• Why doesn’t he go with Ben?

• What is Bernard doing? Why is that such an insult?

• Why can’t Willy work for Charley?

 

Death of a Salesman: 100-136

 

Introduction

Answer one of the following questions. Please use a full page.

Questions

Be thoughtful.

• Why does the dinner fail?

• Why does Biff keep insisting on reality? What is wrong with that?

• Why don’t the boys stay with their father?

• Why is Willy planting in the garden?

• Why does Biff want to pronounce himself a failure? Why does he want to blame his father?

• Willy screams "I am not a Dime a Dozen. I am Willy Loman." How is this an Emersonian sentence.

• Why does Willy commit suicide?

Thought

These are for class.

• Is there a point in your life when you shouldn’t blame your parents for your failures?

• What dream does Willy have?

 

Requiem

 

Introduction

Willy is buried and the world continues to turn.

Questions

Answer one of the following questions.

• Where will Biff or Happy be in twenty years? (THINK!!!)

• Was Willy meant to be a salesman?