Curriculum / ELA / 7th Grade / Unit 14: Death of a Salesman (2020) / Lesson 9
ELA
Unit 14
7th Grade
Lesson 9 of 14
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Explain how Miller juxtaposes Charley and Willy in order to reveal Willy’s tendency for self-destruction and false pride.
Book: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller pp. 95 – 103
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Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved
Why does Arthur Miller juxtapose Charley and Willy?
Which TWO pieces of evidence best supports the answer to Part A?
Explain the purpose of Charley’s character. Make sure to use details from the text.
An example interpretation:
Charley’s character highlights Willy’s false pride and self-destruction. Charley is Willy’s longtime neighbor, who functions as a voice of reason and practicality when Willy is being delusional. Charley is humble, reserved, and honest. He doesn’t need to brag to everyone to make himself feel better. At one point in the play, Willy is shocked to find that Charley hasn’t shouted from the rooftops the fact that his son, Bernard, will be arguing a case in front of the Supreme Court. Charley is the character against whom Willy is always measuring himself. Willy constantly criticizes Charley for not being well-liked, for not being interested in football, for having a nerdy son, and for not being a real man. Willy is always putting his neighbor down because he’s jealous of him. Willy can’t understand why Charley is successful in business and in parenting. Even more frustrating to Willy, Charley is generous and helpful, offering him advice, money, and even a job (p. 74). When Willy refuses a good job after being fired from his last, the audience realizes his stubborn pride and tendency for self-destruction.
Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding
RL.7.3 — Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).
Lesson 8
Lesson 10
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
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
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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