Directions: These questions are to be typed and answered in complete sentences with supporting quotes and page numbers where needed. This is due on Monday, March 24.
- How is the American Dream characteristic of American ideals and philosophy? What are the differences between the materialistic and the idealistic values associated with the American Dream?
- What was happening economically and socially in the United States in 1949? Was it fairly easy or difficult to get a job? What was America’s standing in the world?
- What is your definition of a salesperson? Consider how a salesperson is different from someone in another occupation. What attitudes do you think a salesperson should have to be successful and to also avoid?
- Why is Willy home and Linda alarmed?
- Why is Willy annoyed at Biff? How does he describe Biff and what does this tell us about Willy?
- How does the changing neighborhood matter to the story?
- Describe the dynamics of the Loman family.
- Happy will not go out west with Biff who has recently returned home. Why doesn’t either son get married and settle down?
- How does Willy act towards the boys when they are young? How do they act toward him? How does Wily feel about Charley and Bernard?
- What does Willy’s reaction to Biff’s theft of the football tell us about Willy? He says the boys look like “adonises.” What other clues suggest that Willy believes that personal attractiveness is paramount to success?
- Willy praises and then curses the Chevrolet; he tells Linda that he’s very well liked, and then says that people don’t seem to take to him. What do these inconsistencies tell us about Willy?
- What is significant about the stockings?
- Describe the dynamics between Charley and Willy.
- What is the role or function of the character Ben?
- What is Linda’s assessment of Willy and why does she continue to return the rubber hose?
- Who is and what is the significance of Bill Oliver?Study
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