Curriculum / ELA / 7th Grade / Unit 14: Death of a Salesman (2020) / Lesson 4
ELA
Unit 14
7th Grade
Lesson 4 of 14
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Analyze how Miller uses juxtaposition of the stockings to symbolize his inability to provide for his family.
Book: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller pp. 34 – 41
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What do the stockings symbolize?
How does Miller use juxtaposition to convey the symbolism of the stockings?
What to look for in student response:
Miller juxtaposes the image of Linda (Willy’s wife) with the image of “The Woman” that he had an affair with. We know this from p. 36 to p. 39, after the stage directions state, “Linda starts to darn stockings….” Then the scene transitions from Willy talking with Linda to Willy talking to The Woman. Even when the conversation of The Woman fades away, her voice is still juxtaposed with Linda’s. An example of this can be found on p. 38 where Willy is hearing the laughter of The Woman even though he is speaking to Linda. This conveys how materials like the stockings and possibly other sensual things remind Willy of the affair.
Also, Linda is darning, which is like a chore, versus The Woman, who is wearing them as part of a sexy outfit and receiving them as a gift from Willy.
A sub-symbol of the stockings is the idea of financial insecurity. When Linda tries to fix her stockings on p. 39 and states how expensive they are, Willy interrupts by saying, “I won’t have you mending stockings in this house!” This is a manifestation of his insecure feelings toward his financial situation.
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.
RL.7.5 — Analyze how a drama's or poem's form or structure (e.g., soliloquy, sonnet) contributes to its meaning.
Lesson 3
Lesson 5
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
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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