Death of a Salesman (2020)

Lesson 7
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ELA

Unit 14

7th Grade

Lesson 7 of 14

Objective


Explain how Arthur Miller’s belief about American culture (capitalism) seeps into this scene between worker and boss. 

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller  pp. 70 – 84

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

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. 

Key Questions


  • p. 72 - Willy is dreaming again. What is his idea of success here? At what line on p. 53 does his dreaming come to a halt? Why? 
  • p. 73 - How is Willy’s rant on the refrigerator a metaphor for his life? (The refrigerator on p. 73 is a metaphor for how Willy feels about his life. He feels like he can’t catch up.)
  • p. 81 - Describe Dave Singleman’s effect on Willy’s life. Make sure to use the word “idolize” in your answer. 
  • p. 81 - What does it mean to Willy to die a “death of a salesman”?
  • pp. 81-82 - What do the stage directions reveal about Howard’s attitude toward Willy? What do they reveal about Willy’s changing temperament?

Common Core Standards


  • 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.
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