Curriculum / ELA / 7th Grade / Unit 14: Death of a Salesman (2020) / Lesson 3
ELA
Unit 14
7th Grade
Lesson 3 of 14
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Explain Miller’s repeated symbolism of nature in Act I.
Book: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller pp. 23 – 33
Video: “Moses Parts the Sea - The Ten Commandments” by Movieclips
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Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved
What does nature symbolize in Act 1 of Death of a Salesman?
Arthur Miller references trees, air, elm trees and ranches in the West throughout Act 1 (pp. 14, 17, 22, 23, 24). What do these symbols of nature represent to the Loman family? In five to seven sentences, answer the prompt using details from the text to support your answer.
What to look for in student response:
Nature symbolizes freedom for the Loman family. Biff and Hap, have an entire conversation about Biff’s dream of owning a ranch. Biff states on p. 22, “There’s nothing more inspiring...or beautiful than the sight of a mare and a new colt.” This quote shows how much he longs/desires to work in the open and own a ranch and not worry about the urban city life. Hap almost buys into the dream that Biff is having about both of them leaving and heading out West to work outside and be free. It seems that society’s views or idea of success is challenging for Biff and the family in different and similar ways.
Additional possible answer: p. 14 - Willy daydreaming while he’s driving p. 17 - Willy says that he feels “boxed in...bricks and windows, bricks and windows”
Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding
Suggestions for teachers to help them teach this lesson
RL.7.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.
Lesson 2
Lesson 4
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
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
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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