Kauffman English IV 2015-2016
Death of a Salesman Act One Review
You should be able to identify the speaker of each quotation, and discuss the context and meaning of the quotation.
“Christ’s sake, I couldn’t get past Yonkers today! Where are you guys, where are you? The woods are burning! I can’t drive a car!”
“I don’t want a change! I want Swiss cheese. Why am I always being contradicted?”
“He’s not the finest character that ever lived. But he’s a human being, and a terrible thing is happening to him. So attention must be paid. He’s not to be allowed to fall into his grave like an old dog. Attention, attention must be finally paid to such a person.”
“Sure, he’s gotta practice with a regulation ball, doesn’t he? [To Biff] Coach’ll probably congratulate you on your initiative!”
“What’s the mystery? The man knew what he wanted and went out and got it! Walked into a jungle, and comes out, the age of twenty-one, and he’s rich! The world is an oyster, but you don’t crack it open on a mattress!”
“Don’t be so modest. You always started too low. Walk in with a big laugh. Don’t look worried. Start off with a couple of your good stories to lighten things up. It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it—because personality always wins the day.”
“I’m losing weight, you notice, Pop?”
“They don’t need me in New York. I’m the New England man. I’m vital in New England.
“That’s what I dream about Biff. Sometimes I wanna just rip my clothes off in the middle of the store and outbox that goddamned merchandise manager. I mean I can outbox, outlift and outrun anybody in that store, and I have to take orders from those petty, common sons of bitches till I can’t stand it anymore.”
You should be able to identify each character and describe their role within the play Willy Bernard Willy/Ben’s father Linda Charley the Woman Biff Ben Happy Bill Oliver
You should be able to discuss the significance (or assumed significance) of the following: The flute music Willy’s fears and insecurities The stockings The source of the boys’ unhappiness
The literary term “foil” and how it can be applied to the play