Death of a Salesman

Use this activity to engage all types of learners while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Epitaph for a Salesman”

In this activity, students will write epitaphs for Willy Loman. An epitaph is a brief statement written in memory of someone who has died and often appears on a tombstone.

In considering Willy Loman’s death, identify what he wanted from life. What means did he use to achieve his goals? What were his successes and failures? What caused these successes or led to these failures? Why does he die by suicide?

• Write a 7- to 10-line epitaph for Willy Loman.
• You might begin with this frame: A(n) _____ (adjective) man here lies at rest.
• Subsequent lines may begin: The (son, brother, father, husband, friend, salesman) of/who _____.
• Then, finish with how he will or should be remembered: If _____, then he _____.
• You are free to alter the frames in any way or to ignore them altogether in favor of your own ideas.

Take turns delivering epitaphs. Afterward, discuss the class’s views of Willy. In what ways are the epitaphs alike and different? Is Willy Loman an antihero, a victim, or something else, and why?