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Death of a Salesman

Introduction to TheatreTHTRE 270

Death of a SalesmanI. Miller BioII. Review & Update of Theatrical Scene

DesignA. “Classical” (Greeks, Shakespeare) Scene Design:

1. Minimal: Audience Imagination

Death of a SalesmanB. Italian Renaissance (16th Century)

1. Perspective Scene Design

Death of a SalesmanC. Box Set (19th Century)

1. Realism, Naturalism

Death of a SalesmanIII. Death of a Salesman Scene Design

Death of a Salesman

Death of a SalesmanA. Experimental, “Theatricalist”B. Designed “Environment” of

ImaginationC. Focus: Subjective ExperienceD. Facilitates:

1. Multiple Time Schemes2. Movement into Willy’s Mind

Death of a SalesmanIV. Major Themes of Play

A. Willy as Dramatic Character1. Willy a Victim or Self-

Victimized?2. Analysis of Issue

Death of a SalesmanB. Idea of the “American Dream”

1. Play as Critique of Capitalist Socio-economic System

2. Relationship to Willy’s Psychologya. Use of “Uncle Ben”

Characterb. Metaphor of the “Jungle”

Death of a Salesman

The End