Curriculum / ELA / 7th Grade / Unit 14: Death of a Salesman (2020) / Lesson 5
ELA
Unit 14
7th Grade
Lesson 5 of 14
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Analyze how Linda’s dialogue contributes to the playwright’s critique of American culture (of capitalism).
Book: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller pp. 42 – 57
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On pp. 56–57, what does Linda’s dialogue reveal about her point of view?
Arthur Miller was a major critic of American culture (of capitalism). He believed that in capitalism, you are valued in terms of your work productivity and ability to make money, not as a whole human being. How does Linda’s dialogue on p. 56 reveal Arthur Miller’s politics?
What to look for in student response:
Linda’s dialogue reveals Arthur Miller’s politics by talking about how capitalism (the system of money in America) has negatively affected Willy. One quote that supports this claim is said by Linda: “I don’t say he’s a great man. Willy Loman never made a lot of money. His name was never in the paper. ... But he’s a human being, and a terrible thing is happening to him. So attention must be paid...He works for a company thirty-six years ...and now in his old age they take his salary away.” This explains how exhausted Willy must be after working his salesman’s position for over 30 years. Not only is he exhausted with doing the same thing, he’s exhausted because he can’t meet his own goal for success, which is to get ahead. Instead, his salary is being taken away, as stated by Linda. This reveals how Miller viewed the state of humankind during his time, that no matter how hard or long you work, you are at the mercy of the system.
Claim: Arthur Miller’s perspective on capitalism is that it’s all-consuming and unfair to human values
Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding
Suggestions for teachers to help them teach this lesson
RL.7.5 — Analyze how a drama's or poem's form or structure (e.g., soliloquy, sonnet) contributes to its meaning.
Lesson 4
Lesson 6
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
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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