American Literature Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller ​ This summer, you will read one of the most famous American plays ever written. When you return to school in August, you will have an in­class writing on your chosen work. It will be your first test grade. Let us tell you a little bit about Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller. ​ ​ Death of a Salesman was written in 1949 by American playwright Arthur Miller. The play was ​ the recipient of the 1949 Pulitzer Prize for drama and the Tony award for the best play of the year. It has since been honored as one of the most important plays of the Twentieth century. The play deals with several important themes, among them, and perhaps most famously­­that of the American Dream gone wrong. Try to figure out what Willy’s understanding of the American Dream is, and how it goes so terribly wrong for him and his family. Another important theme is that of abandonment. Willy has experienced a series of abandonments in his lifetime, leading him deeper and deeper into despair and bewilderment. Here are some suggestions for you in order to help you read the play more effectively. 1. Write a short description of each of the main characters in the play. Find one good quote for each of them. Let your quote be one that really gets to their character, or their role in the play. 2. Try to figure out what triggers the “memory scenes” in the play, and what Arthur Miller achieves by using them as he does. 3. Try to put your finger on the key memory scene­­the one that Willy has been avoiding, the one he can’t bring himself to face. 4. Look for proof that he genuinely loves his sons, especially Biff. 5. Look for proof that, in spite of this love, he has contributed to the boys being very confused about what matters in life. 6. Think about someone you have known who reminds you a little bit of Willy Loman. Try to figure out what the connection is. 7. Try to answer this crucial question for yourself...Can a “low man” like Willy Loman, carry a tragedy? If there is supposed to be a moment of recognition at the end of the play, who experiences this recognition? Be ready to support your answers. If you get a chance, watch a movie version of the play. It might help you to get your arms around the staging eccentricities of this cornerstone of American drama. See you in August. .