Thursday, April 22, 2010

Writing topics--Death of a Salesman

Choose one of the topics below for a 500-word essay. I encourage you to use secondary sources, and if you do, then be extremely careful and diligent in making sure you don't plagiarize. If you cite sources, be sure to follow MLA format. Papers are due at the beginning of class Thursday, April 29, 2010. As always, you'll need to send me an electronic copy of your paper.

1. There is a “kid” motif in DoaS. Many characters call each other “kid” or “boy”: Howard to Willy, Bernard to Willy, Willy to Bernard, Charley to Bernard, Charley to Willy, Linda to Biff, Biff and Happy to each other, etc. Assuming this usage is more than simply 1940s slang, what significance might it have for the play? Find specific examples and evaluate them for possible significance.

2. In what ways is Ben like a god to Willy? Be specific and use particular examples to support your position.

3. Is consumerism and the “American Dream” taking the place of a father for Willy? Why or why not? Give specific examples to support your position.

4. Support or defend this statement: The problem with the Lomans is that there really is no man in the house (I’ll give you a hint: It’s probably much more interesting to support).

No comments:

Post a Comment