Write an essay in which you explain how Willy Loman meets to criteria for a modern tragic hero according to Arthur Miller, and which also explains your opinion as to the degree to which Loman is tragic.
II. Formatting and Other Basic Criteria:
*2-3 Pages; Times New Roman size 12 font
*2+ direct quotes (use the significant quotes handouts from the play). According to Willy, “Man is not a piece of fruit” (Death of a Salesman 82).
*When citing specific details other than quotes, be sure to explain where this takes place: In the stage directions at the beginning of Act I, we learn that Linda not only loves Willy, she also admires him.
*Include a title that goes beyond a mere statement of topic – Willy Is Not a Low Man
*DO NOT mix up plot, make spelling and/or homonym errors.
*Write an all-encompassing thesis statement as the last sentence of the introduction: Given the tragedy Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman meets Miller’s modern tragic definition mainly because he is an everyday person, yet he is not tragic for most people because of his lack of morals.
*Write topic sentences at the beginnings of your body paragraphs.
*Use transitions (e.g., for example, however, thus, therefore, secondly, etc.).
*Avoid fragment and run-on sentences.
III. The Essay:
A. Introduction: Provide a brief overview of the play (no more than 4-5 sentences total).
Be sure to mention the title and author of the play (note that titles of plays should be underlined or italicized).
B. Body Sections:
2. Body Paragraphs #2 & #3 – The Tragic Hero: Willy Loman
Body Paragraph #2: Examine how Willy meets Miller’s definition of being a tragic hero.
Use multiple examples from the play, such as quotes and/or specific references. Of critical importance is that you explain how these examples demonstrate Willy’s meeting the criteria set out by Miller. A ―significant quotes‖ sheet is included to help in this activity.
Body Paragraph #3: Write this paragraph about how you see Willy Loman’s tragic nature or lack thereof. Is he really tragic in your view? Why or why not.
Again, superior essays will use specific examples from the play as support, and the student will interpret these examples effectively in terms of the argument he or she is making.
