Death of a Salesman - Willy Loman: Comprehension Practice

English
Year 9
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

A worksheet focusing on Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman,' with questions designed to deepen understanding of the character within its historical setting.

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Death of a Salesman - Willy Loman: Comprehension Practice

Subject: EnglishGrade: Year 9
Name:
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9
A

Scene Summary and Context

In Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman,' Willy Loman is depicted as a struggling salesman during the late 1940s, a period marked by post-World War II economic expansion and societal change in America. The play reflects the pressures of achieving the American Dream, which Willy intimately believes in, yet finds increasingly elusive. The setting is suburban New York, where Willy’s aspirations clash with his reality, leading to internal conflict and frustration. The character’s mental decline is subtly portrayed through fragmented dialogues and symbolisms, such as the recurring motif of the past intruding on the present. The play critically examines themes of success, failure, and societal expectations, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing post-war society that values material wealth and personal achievement. Willy’s interactions with his family serve as a reflection of broader societal tensions, highlighting the disparity between individual dreams and societal realities.
1.
Identify one phrase from the summary that indicates the play's setting in the post-World War II era.
[2 marks]
2.
What societal themes are highlighted in the context of Willy Loman’s character?
[2 marks]
3.
Describe how the play’s setting influences Willy Loman's aspirations.
4.
Which motif in the summary symbolises Willy’s mental decline?
[2 marks]
5.
Analyse how the setting of suburban New York contributes to the themes of the play.
6.
Identify a literary device used in the summary to describe Willy’s internal conflict.
[2 marks]
7.
Explain how societal pressures during the late 1940s are reflected through Willy’s character.
8.
What is the significance of the motif of the 'American Dream' in the context of this play?
[2 marks]

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Details

Created
12/31/2025
Updated
12/31/2025
Type
worksheet