Death of a Salesman Movie

What stylistic/directing choice (music, flashbacks, casting, setting, etc.)  helped  or enhanced your understanding of the play?  How and why?

Death of A Salesman Directions: Blog Disussion Read the questions below. For each question, you must respond by writing an explanation and find one quote to support your stance for EACH QUESTION of YOUR assigned group.

Groups:  Answer all ODD numbered questions: Baker-Orzen

                Answer all EVEN numbered questions: Passalacqua-Winovich

 You will write your responses and quotes on the Blog with the correct corresponding number.

 Additionally write your own question and answer it. 

Finally, reply to 3 other classmates’ responses on questions you did not originally respond to.

In total you will answer 6 of my questions and 1 of your self- generated questions as well as, 3 replies to classmates not in your group = 10 total blog comments

 

1. What are the differences (be specific) between materialistic and idealistic values associated with the American Dream. List current examples that emulate the American Dream.  Do not generalize, be as concrete as possible. What are the false values the play reveals and the true values that the play supports.  Consider characters and the conflict of reality v. perception.

2.  What is Miller commenting on regarding the American value system?  Capitalism?  A consumer society?

3. How is a salesman different from another occupation?  Positive attributes? Negative attributes

4. What effect do the expectations of parents have on the behavior of their children?  Beneficial?  Detrimental?  Who suffers the most from Willy’s delusions? Why?

5. How do parental expectations tie back to the American Dream?  Discuss Willy’s parenting.  Provide real life examples.

6. How is Willy a tragic hero?  Is the play a tragedy?  According to Aristotle or modern day?

7.  What values are upheld and what values are criticized in the play?

8. What are 3 of the most significant symbols in the novel?  What do they represent?  How are they connected?

9. Most people, like Willy, try to make themselves appear in the best possible way to their families and friends. Why?

10. Do you think characters in the play are realistic?  Could people like these actually exist?  Have you ever known anyone who reminds you of one of the characters in the play?

11.  Arthur Miller created these specific characters to get a certain moral lesson learned across to the readers. What lesson do you think Miller is trying to teach the readers? As a young man, what is Miller trying to teach you? As young women, what is Miller trying to teach you?

12. What is the most effective device Miller uses as a playwright?  How so?  How did it leave an impression on you and help to facilitate his message?

Death of a Salesman- Blog Discussion

Reply to the following and additionally reply to another students comment.  Indicate the writer you are replying to.

Who is the most important character in the play thus far?  What does Willy's brother Ben symbolize to him?  What "answer" is he constantly looking for from Ben?  Do you think Ben has the answer to Willy's question?  Can you personally relate to any of the characters or ideas in the play? How so?

Gatsby Movie- What theme seems to be most prevelant in novel and film? Explain.

Gatsby Movie- What are key or distracting differences from the movie and novel?

How do the 3 of the characters compare to your perceptions from the novel? Be specific.

Modern Day Gatsby-- How are the choices universal? Explain how they are both hopeful and tragic. Use examples from novel and present day.