I am teaching a unit on "Death of a Salesman" and need some ideas?

Question

I have three weeks to teach it. I'm a student teacher, fresh off the boat.

My main focus is two aspects: the American dream and how it ties in with the Lomans.

The other aspect is the modern American tragic hero. An activity that can bridge or compare/contrast the classic greek tragic hero to the contemporary tragic American hero.

I need activity ideas that encompass both aspects. I'm teachibg block schedule, so the activities need to be from 30 minutes to 45 minutes in length.

Websites that can help me would be a plus, and if you already have activties available, can you email them to me?

I really, really, need help here!

Answer 1

I'm seeing a lot of discussion here.  You can break them up into groups if you want, but it could be just as helpful and worth while to have it be led and facilitated by you.  

So, if you want to compare and contrast between the present day American Tragic Hero and the Greek Tragic hero, then I would start with the earlier one and try and see how it has evolved.  If they haven't studied the things that have made a tragic hero, this is a perfect time.  What I would do.  Starting with the greeks, I'd make mention of what happened to their heroes.  Talk about hubris (excessive pride which is usually their character's tragic flaw).  Mention the idea of katharsis, and why the greeks would use it in their plays.  Then put it into context.  Talk about a play from the time period where these are seen.  Oedipus Rex for example.  Those who aren't familiar with the play, give them a basic overview of the plot line.  After talking about the plot line, see if they can identify his tragic flaw.  Where did it occur?  What lesson were the people watching the play supposed to learn from it?  At this point you might want to split them into groups and then have them take these characteristics and compare them to Willy Lowman.  What is similar?  What is different?  What is his tragic flaw?  What are we supposed to learn from his story?  Have the groups discuss that, you can have them turn something in or not, up to you.  That's a very good way to compare and contrast, in my opinion.

As far as the American Dream.  That's probably an easier idea to discuss.  I might start with that and just ask the class what they believe the concept of "The American Dream" is.  How did it come about?  Where do we see it today?  How does it play on Willy Lowman?  I would talk about this first, and then bring it back in after you talk about the tragic hero and tie the two together.  How does the American Dream lead Willy Lowman to his tragic downfall?  That sort of thing.  

All of this is just off the top of my head, so feel free to take whatever you want and to discard whatever you want as well.  I hope that I've been helpful.