Write a paper in which you analyze the internal and external forces Willy struggles against to maintain his dignity.

Essay 2 Prompts: Death of a Salesman | English G110
Select one prompt and write an argumentative literary analysis essay that uses the theory and three secondary sources.
1. Willy Loman has been called a modern tragic hero because, among other things, he is a common man;
he is not “highly renowned and prosperous” like the tragic heroes of traditional tragedies. As a
common man, what is Willy struggling against? Write a paper in which you analyze the internal and
external forces Willy struggles against to maintain his dignity. Use three secondary sources. One of
your sources might be used to explain a specific concept related to tragedies; the other two sources
should be books or articles on the play.
2. In many ways, Death of Salesman is about the drama that plays out in Willy Loman’s head. Willy’s
present life is shaped and often hindered by his memory of the past. Sometimes the lines between
past, present, and future dreams and fears are blurred. Write an essay in which you psychoanalyze
Willy Loman and show how he contributes to the family dysfunction. Use three secondary sources.
One of your sources might be used to explain a specific concept related to psychoanalytic criticism
or psychoanalysis; the other two sources should be books or articles on the play.
3. Willy Loman’s world is very much a capitalist world. The play puts front and center many defining
elements and symbols of capitalism and the American dream. In what ways is Willy Loman (and his
family) a product of a system beyond his control? Discuss the various ideologies that structure his
world. Use three secondary sources. One of your sources might be used to explain a specific concept
related to Marxist criticism or economic theory; the other two sources should be books or articles on
the play.
Length: 1500 words minimum (not counting Works Cited page)