Curriculum / ELA / 7th Grade / Unit 14: Death of a Salesman (2020) / Lesson 13
ELA
Unit 14
7th Grade
Lesson 13 of 14
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Debate whether or not Willy’s suicide resolved any of his problems.
Book: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller — Entire text
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Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved
Did Willy’s suicide resolve any problems in the novel? Explain your answer using one or two details from the text.
What to aim for in discussion:
Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding
Suggestions for teachers to help them teach this lesson
Students may not understand life insurance. You can explain that life insurance is a system where you pay a little bit to a company every month or every few months. When you die, they pay back all that money PLUS extra to your family to help with funeral costs and living expenses.
SL.7.1 — Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
Lesson 12
Lesson 14
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
Analyze how self-deception functions as a coping mechanism for Willy Loman.
Explain Willy’s motivation to commit suicide.
Analyze how Willy’s self-deception leads to his suicide.
Discussion
SL.7.1
Explain how Willy Loman can be defined as a tragic hero.
W.7.2
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