Essay 2

ENG 215

 

ESSAY #2*** DUE Monday March 14***

 

2 PAGES, DOUBLE SPACED, SIZE 12 TIMES NEW ROMAN

 

YOU DO NOT NEED OUTSIDE SOURCES FOR THIS PAPER.

 

 

Pick ONE of the essay topics below for your paper.

1. The play is really a challenge to the American Dream because it is the tragedy of a man troubled by the society. Willy believes in the American myth that “Success is obtained by being well-liked”. His dream ends up in nightmare. In your essay explain how Willy misunderstood the American Dream
2. Illusion vs. reality is something that comes up in a lot of literature. We saw some in The Great Gatsby. In Death of A Salesman Willy has illusions about just about every aspect of his life. Pick one aspect of his life, whether it be from the past or the present, and explain how he uses illusions to distort his reality. Use examples from the texts along with outside sources to support your thesis.
3. The characters in this play each want something from life; what does each major character seem to want? How do their interests align or conflict? How does what each character wants differ from what each has or gets? Use examples from the texts along with outside sources to support your thesis.
4. Compare Willy and Gatsby. How are they alike? How are they different? What do they do differently and why do they both end up dead?
5. How does the play address consumerism? Think about the fridge, the car and the home itself. How does acquiring more “stuff” play into the role of happiness?
6. Explore the role of women in the play. Compare Linda and Willy’s mistress. Why does Willy cheat on his wife? What does this tell us about Linda?

***YOU CAN INCLUDE EXAMPLES FROM THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS IN ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS***

 

 

Quote dialogue between two or more characters by also using block format and putting the characters' names in all capital letters. Don't forget a lead-in and a citation that includes all speeches being quoted. Willy's delusions consistently show how much Happy and Bernard idolized Biff, especially when they argue over who will carry his football gear:

BERNARD. Biff, I'm carrying your helmet, ain't I?
HAPPY.  No, I'm carrying the helmet.
BERNARD. Oh, Biff, you promised me.
HAPPY. I'm carrying the helmet. (Miller 12)

Remember again that you are always explaining quotes in your own words. Quoting one character’s dialogue is explained in the below paragraph.