Curriculum / ELA / 7th Grade / Unit 14: Death of a Salesman (2020) / Lesson 10
ELA
Unit 14
7th Grade
Lesson 10 of 14
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Analyze how self-deception functions as a coping mechanism for Willy Loman.
Book: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller pp. 105 – 116
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Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved
How do Willy’s memories and flashbacks serve as a coping mechanism?
Which two pieces of evidence (stage directions) best support your answer?
In one paragraph, explain how Willy copes with his personal failures. Make sure to use details from the text to support your answer.
What to look for in student response:
Willy has convinced himself that he is successful, he is well-liked, and that his sons are destined for greatness. Whenever he realizes that he hasn’t in fact accomplished any of these things, he lives inside his mind in flashbacks of the past when there was hope. His ability to space out into a dream-like state is his coping mechanism for dealing with reality.
Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding
Suggestions for teachers to help them teach this lesson
RL.7.3 — Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).
Lesson 9
Lesson 11
Explain Arthur Miller’s motive for writing Death of a Salesman, based on his biography.
RI.7.2
Analyze the purpose of the stage directions.
RL.7.5 RL.7.6
Explain Miller’s repeated symbolism of nature in Act I.
RL.7.4
Analyze how Miller uses juxtaposition of the stockings to symbolize his inability to provide for his family.
RL.7.4 RL.7.5
Analyze how Linda’s dialogue contributes to the playwright’s critique of American culture (of capitalism).
RL.7.5
Analyze how Biff and Happy’s dialogue contributes to the mood.
Explain how Arthur Miller’s belief about American culture (capitalism) seeps into this scene between worker and boss.
RL.7.2 RL.7.4
Explain how the author uses monologue to develop the theme of popularity and reputation.
RL.7.2 RL.7.5
Explain how Miller juxtaposes Charley and Willy in order to reveal Willy’s tendency for self-destruction and false pride.
RL.7.3
Explain Willy’s motivation to commit suicide.
Analyze how Willy’s self-deception leads to his suicide.
Discussion
Debate whether or not Willy’s suicide resolved any of his problems.
SL.7.1
Explain how Willy Loman can be defined as a tragic hero.
W.7.2
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