Curriculum / ELA / 7th Grade / Unit 10: Death of a Salesman (2020) / Lesson 7
ELA
Unit 10
7th Grade
Lesson 7 of 14
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Explain how Arthur Miller’s belief about American culture (capitalism) seeps into this scene between worker and boss.
Book: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller pp. 70 – 84
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Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved.
On p. 61, what does Willy mean when he says, “You can’t eat the orange and throw the peel away”? What does it reveal about Miller’s views on American culture (capitalism)?
What to look for in student response:
Willy is talking to his boss, Howard, about getting a permanent, non-traveling position at the company. When his boss refuses, Willy gets frustrated and says, “You can’t eat the orange and throw the peel away,” as a way of comparing himself to a piece of fruit like a metaphor. He is trying to show his boss that he has put in so many years of work and he doesn’t even require a high salary, and yet he feels unappreciated and disregarded. He compares himself to an orange because he feels like the peel of an orange—essential to keeping the fruit safe and juicy at first, then tossed away when they’re not needed any more. Capitalism is a system that throws you away when you’re not needed any more; people are expendable, unappreciated. Clearly, Howard (business owner) cares more about the money he does or doesn’t make than Willy (worker) who is an honest, hard-working employee. The reality is that you CAN throw the peel away, and that’s what’s happening to Willy.
Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding
RL.7.2 — Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
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.
Next
Explain how the author uses monologue to develop the theme of popularity and reputation.
Explain Arthur Miller’s motive for writing Death of a Salesman, based on his biography.
Standards
RI.7.2
Analyze the purpose of the stage directions.
RL.7.5RL.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.7.4RL.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.
RL.7.2RL.7.4
RL.7.2RL.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.
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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