Death of a Salesman Synthesis Essay
English 1301
Due Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Objective: Students will write a well-organized, multi-paragraph essay analyzing a particular aspect of
Arthur Miller’s play, Death of a Salesman. Students are required to analyze the entirety of the play with particular focus on the thematic idea of the American Dream. Each essay will demonstrate critical thought and reflection on the prompt, as well as a strong command of language. Students will demonstrate the ability to synthesize a variety of sources for the purpose of constructing an argument; this will require them to evaluate the usefulness of sources. Students will format their essays according to MLA guidelines, including the creation of a works cited page.
Prompt: The quest for the American Dream is a theme in a number of literary and non-literary works.
Discuss the development of this theme in Death of a Salesman. In particular, examine Willy Loman’s version of the American Dream, his attempts to attain it, and what his death reveals about the nature of the quest.
Essay requirements: Remember that meeting the minimum requirements ensures no more than a C on the final essay.
--3 FULL pages. Essays that are 3 or more lines too short will receive an F.
--no less than 4 paragraphs, though 5 would probably be better.
--participation in writing workshops. (see below for dates/requirements)
--use of formal, academic language
--synthesis of at least 3 sources (1 that you have selected on the library day, and at least 2 of the sources given by the instructor.
--correct use of MLA formatting
--works cited page (-10 points for failure to submit)
--on-time submission. Submit to Turnitin.com by 7 am on the due date.
--thesis statement located at the end of the introductory paragraph
--body paragraphs that are controlled by the topic sentence
--the use of concrete examples to prove the thesis (at least 5 quotes from the primary text and 2 quotes from EACH secondary text.) Quotes should be appropriate and to the point. Please limit quotes to no more than 6-8 words each. If you feel an exception should be made, please talk to me about it.
Writing Workshops:
Wed. October 30 th : Two typed copies of the introductory paragraph (must include thesis). No handwritten work will be reviewed. No late work will be accepted.
Wed. Nov 13 th : FULL essay, typed and properly formatted. Bring TWO copies.