February Literary Analysis

GENERAL

1. Briefly summarize the plot of the novel you read, and explain how the narrative fulfills the author's purpose (based on your well-informed interpretation of same).

Death of a Salesman is about the American Dream. The novel focuses on the Loman family, mainly Willy Loman – the father. Willy, above everything else, holds appearances, popularity and his salesman title as priorities even though he has not completely acquired these characteristics. He has created this false image that he and his family are successful, but in reality they are on the edge of poverty. He faithfully believes that they will soon get their “big break” that they so greatly “deserve”. But as his mirage slowly begins to crumble and he begins to see he is really a failure, he slowly goes insane – has flashbacks and talks to his self-created apparitions. In the end he dies as a failure and not many people show for his funeral.

2. Succinctly describe the theme of the novel. Avoid cliches.

The theme of this novel is that of the American Dream. Willy believes that the key to success is through attractiveness and likeability, however the real path to the American Dream is through hard work. Since his dream doesn’t happen, Willy goes through a physiological breakdown.

3. Describe the author's tone. Include a minimum of three excerpts that illustrate your point(s).

The author’s tone in the play was monotone and gloomy.

4. Describe a minimum of ten literary elements/techniques you observed that strengthened your understanding of the author's purpose, the text's theme and/or your sense of the tone. For each, please include textual support to help illustrate the point for your readers.

Syntax:

 “but now his old friends...they're all dead, retired”

Anaphora:

“He is not just liked, but well-liked” which shows his materialistic views

Symbolism:

“What the hell is that seed?”

Foreshadow:

“From the darkness is heard the laughter of a woman.”

Allusion:

“Smell the stink from that apartment house!”

Characterization:

 “He is past sixty years of age, dressed quietly.”

Conflict:

“Don’t you care whether he lives or dies?”

Epilogue:

 “Linda doesn’t react. She stares at the grave.”

Euphemism:                              

“Ah, it’s a dog’s life.”

Point of View:

“The curtain rises.”

 CHARACTERIZATION

1. Describe two examples of direct characterization and two examples of indirect characterization.  Why does the author use both approaches, and to what end (i.e., what is your lasting impression of the character as a result)?

Direct and indirect characterizations have different purposes in a play. Direct characterization is meant for the actors so that they could imitate the characters. Indirect characterization is meant for the audience during the production of a play.

2. Does the author's syntax and/or diction change when s/he focuses on character?  How? Example(s)?

When the author focuses on character description, the diction and syntax become simpler and more directed towards specific people.

3. Is the protagonist static or dynamic?  Flat or round?  Explain.

The protagonist is a static flat character. His inability to grasp reality and his constant lying to his wife show that he doesn't really change during the play.

 4. After reading the book did you come away feeling like you'd met a person or read a character?  Analyze one textual example that illustrates your reaction.

It feels like I read a character. His reactions to certain events made it seem unreal. A real person would have reacted through actions, instead of being in denial of being a failure.