Name ____________________
Symbols in Death of a Salesman
Arthur Miller uses many meaningful objects to communicate important themes in the play. Fill out the chart to determine the meaning and theme for each symbol. Some topics
you might consider are: selling, economic struggles, family conflict, commitment, the class system, betrayal, dissatisfaction, etc.
Symbol
Quotation that Refers to the Symbol
Copy a passage (1-2 sentences) from the play that
mentions the symbol and hints at its meaning.
Football
(Miller 29-30)
Tennis Racket
(Miller 91-92)
Sneakers
(Miller 94)
Fountain Pen
(Miller 104)
Meaning of the Symbol
Author’s Theme
What does the symbol mean? What does it stand for?
What does it show about the characters and/or the story?
What is the main idea or main message the author
is communicating through the symbol? (sentences)
Symbol
Quotation that Refers to the Symbol
Copy a passage (1-2 sentences) from the play that
mentions the symbol and hints at its meaning.
Rubber Hose
(Miller 115)
Stockings
(Miller 119, 121)
Seeds
(Miller 122)
Diamonds
(Miller 134)
Meaning of the Symbol
Author’s Theme
What does the symbol mean? What does it stand for?
What does it show about the characters and/or the story?
What is the main idea or main message the author
is communicating through the symbol?