Curriculum / ELA / 7th Grade / Unit 14: Death of a Salesman (2020) / Lesson 6
ELA
Unit 14
7th Grade
Lesson 6 of 14
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Analyze how Biff and Happy’s dialogue contributes to the mood.
Book: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller pp. 58 – 69
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Read the excerpt below:
We form two basketball teams, see? Two water-polo teams. We play each other. It’s a million dollars’ worth of publicity. Two brothers, see? The Loman Brothers. Displays in the Royal Palms—all the hotels. And banners over the ring and the basketball court: ‘Loman Brothers.’ Baby, we could sell sporting goods!” (p. 63)
How does this excerpt affect the mood in Act 1?
Which diction supports your answer? Choose two specific examples from the text and explain.
What to look for in student response:
This excerpt changes the mood of Act 1 from angry and sympathetic toward Linda and Willy to more optimistic as Happy explains the new game plan for Biff. Early on, we feel sorry for Willy because we learn that he is trying to commit suicide (p. 60) and sorry for Linda because we learn that she’s poor (she has to mend her stockings) and that she loves her failing husband (p. 59: “There’s more good in him than in many other people” as she cries).
Also, Willy and Biff get into an argument when Biff says, “Oh Jesus, I’m going to sleep!” and Willy tells him not to curse AND when Biff says he whistles in an elevator and implies that he’s crazy (p. 61). Ironically, when Happy chimes in the mood changes to fit his name as well as his personality toward life. This is something that Willy values, having a strong personality, especially being in business.
What motivates Biff and Happy to communicate this idea of The Loman Brothers’ sporting line with their father? What does it reveal about their relationship with their father?
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 5
Lesson 7
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
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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