Tragic Hero: Pursuit of the American Dream
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Tragic Hero: Pursuit of the American Dream

Grade 12English1 days
★★★★★
4.0 (1 rating)
This project-based learning experience engages 12th-grade students with Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman' to explore the redefined concept of a tragic hero in the context of the American Dream. Through examining Willy Loman's character, students explore themes like societal expectations, personal choices, and family dynamics. Activities involve analyzing the play's language and symbols, evaluating the impact of the American Dream on the characters, and reflecting on Miller's critique of post-war American society.
Tragic HeroAmerican DreamWilly LomanSocietal ExpectationsFamily DynamicsSymbolismArthur Miller
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How does Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman' use the character of Willy Loman to redefine the concept of a tragic hero within the context of the American Dream, considering societal expectations, personal choices, and family dynamics?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • What qualities define a tragic hero, and how does Willy Loman fit this definition?
  • In what ways does Arthur Miller's portrayal of Willy Loman challenge the traditional notion of a tragic hero?
  • What is the American Dream, and how is it portrayed in 'Death of a Salesman'?
  • How do societal expectations and personal choices contribute to Willy Loman's downfall?
  • What role do family dynamics play in the development of Willy Loman's character?
  • How do external forces and internal conflicts influence the lives of the characters in 'Death of a Salesman'?
  • In what way does 'Death of a Salesman' reflect post-war American society and its ideals?
  • How does Miller use symbolism and motifs to convey themes of illusion versus reality?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will analyze the concept of a tragic hero and how Willy Loman fits or challenges this concept in 'Death of a Salesman'.
  • Students will explore the American Dream as portrayed in the play and discuss how it affects the characters’ lives and choices.
  • Students will evaluate the societal expectations and personal choices contributing to Willy Loman’s downfall.
  • Students will examine the role of family dynamics in Willy Loman's character development.
  • Students will interpret how Miller’s use of symbolism and motifs conveys themes related to illusion versus reality.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1
Primary
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.Reason: Students will analyze 'Death of a Salesman' to understand how Willy Loman serves as a tragic hero and how it critiques the American Dream.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.2
Primary
Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account.Reason: This standard aligns with analyzing the themes of societal expectations and family dynamics in the play.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.3
Primary
Analyze the impact of the author's choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama.Reason: Students will explore how Miller’s choices portray Willy as a tragic hero and convey themes of the American Dream.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.4
Secondary
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful.Reason: Analyzing Miller's language enhances understanding of themes such as illusion and reality.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.5
Secondary
Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text (e.g., the choice of where to begin or end a story, the choice to provide a comedic or tragic resolution) contribute to its overall structure and meaning as well as its aesthetic impact.Reason: Relates to understanding the play’s structure and its impact on the portrayal of Willy Loman as a tragic hero.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Personal Dream Challenge

Students start by writing a personal dream or ambition on a card. These are then redistributed anonymously, and peers brainstorm possible societal factors and personal actions that could help or hinder the realization of this dream. Link these findings to the obstacles faced by Willy Loman, encouraging students to reflect on personal ambition versus societal constraints.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

American Dream Dissection

Investigate the portrayal of the American Dream in 'Death of a Salesman' by examining characters' aspirations and outcomes. Analyze how societal expectations and personal choices impact their dreams.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Identify key scenes in the play where the American Dream is discussed or depicted.
2. Use a graphic organizer to note each character's dream, societal pressures, and personal choices.
3. Partner with a classmate to discuss findings, focusing on contrasts and similarities.
4. Write a reflection on how these elements of the American Dream are portrayed in the play and their impact on the characters' lives.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA reflection paper detailing the complexities of the American Dream as portrayed in 'Death of a Salesman.'

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.2 by analyzing themes and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1 through citing text to support analysis.
Activity 2

Family Dynamics Analysis

Explore the dynamics within the Loman family and their impact on Willy Loman’s character development. Discuss how these relationships reveal broader themes of the play.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Analyze key dialogues and interactions within the Loman family throughout the play.
2. Create a relationship map to visualize connections and dynamics among family members.
3. Discuss with a partner how these dynamics contribute to Willy's tragic journey.
4. Compose a detailed analysis of the role family dynamics play in shaping Willy's character and its thematic significance.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn analytical essay focusing on family dynamics and their thematic importance in 'Death of a Salesman.'

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.2 by exploring themes of family and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1 by citing textual evidence.
Activity 3

Symbolism Sleuth

Students will explore the motifs and symbols Arthur Miller employs to convey deeper meanings related to illusion versus reality. They'll analyze specific examples and their significance within the narrative.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Identify recurring symbols and motifs in 'Death of a Salesman' such as seeds, stockings, and the American West.
2. Discuss in groups how these symbols are used to convey themes of illusion versus reality.
3. Choose a symbol and write an analysis on its representation and relevance to the play's themes.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA written analysis on a chosen symbol and its thematic representation in 'Death of a Salesman.'

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.4 and RL.11-12.5 by analyzing language and its aesthetic impact, as well as structural choices and their significance.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Death of a Salesman Portfolio Activities Rubric

Category 1

Thematic Understanding

Assesses the student's ability to identify and interpret key themes in 'Death of a Salesman', such as the American Dream, societal expectations, and family dynamics.
Criterion 1

Theme Identification

Evaluates the student's ability to identify themes and sub-themes within the play.

Exemplary
4 Points

Identifies multiple complex themes accurately, demonstrating profound insight into their interplay and significance.

Proficient
3 Points

Identifies primary themes accurately and addresses their significance with clarity.

Developing
2 Points

Identifies obvious themes but lacks depth in analysis of their significance.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to identify key themes, with limited or inaccurate explanations.

Criterion 2

Thematic Analysis

Measures the depth of analysis regarding how themes interact and build complexity in the play.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides a nuanced analysis of theme interactions, offering original insights into their complexity.

Proficient
3 Points

Analyzes the interaction of themes with clear insights and logical conclusions.

Developing
2 Points

Attempts analysis of themes but lacks depth and logical connections.

Beginning
1 Points

Displays minimal analysis with unclear or unsupported claims about themes.

Category 2

Textual Evidence

Evaluates the use of textual evidence to support analysis and interpretations of the play.
Criterion 1

Evidence Selection

Assesses the relevance and accuracy of textual evidence chosen to support claims.

Exemplary
4 Points

Selects detailed and highly relevant evidence that enhances interpretations.

Proficient
3 Points

Selects relevant evidence that clearly supports interpretations and claims.

Developing
2 Points

Uses evidence that is somewhat relevant but lacks clarity or direct support.

Beginning
1 Points

Includes minimal evidence with unclear connection to claims.

Category 3

Critical Thinking & Insight

Measures the student's ability to think critically about the text and provide insightful commentary.
Criterion 1

Insightfulness

Assesses the originality and depth of commentary on the play's themes and elements.

Exemplary
4 Points

Offers original, thought-provoking insights that suggest a deep understanding of the text.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides clear, logical insights with a solid understanding of the text.

Developing
2 Points

Attempts to offer insight, but analysis may be basic or less coherent.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to provide meaningful insights or interpretation of the text.

Category 4

Writing & Communication

Assesses the effectiveness of written communication in expressing ideas clearly and cohesively.
Criterion 1

Clarity & Structure

Evaluates the clarity, organization, and structure of the written work.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents ideas in a clear, logically structured, and cohesive manner with excellent organization.

Proficient
3 Points

Communicates ideas clearly with logical organization and good flow.

Developing
2 Points

Presents ideas with some clarity but may lack specific organization or flow.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles with organization and clarity, affecting communication.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

Reflect on how your understanding of the American Dream has evolved through the study of 'Death of a Salesman'. How has Willy Loman's story influenced your perception?

Text
Required
Question 2

On a scale from 1 to 5, how effectively do you think 'Death of a Salesman' portrays the societal expectations surrounding the American Dream?

Scale
Required
Question 3

Which theme from 'Death of a Salesman' resonates most with you and why?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Family Dynamics
Personal Ambition
Societal Pressures
Illusion vs Reality
The Tragic Hero