DoS Writing Practice

How does Miller indicate the difference between reality and

fantasy in Death of a Salesman? Refer to his use of
staging, content, and language.

5 Paragraphs:
• Introduction
• Staging (use of space, movement of actors on stage, etc.)
• Content (plot development, action, etc.)
• Language (Modes of expression, conversation, tone)
• Conclusion
 Organising your essay…
Put STAGING, CONTENT, and LANGUAGE each at
the top of a separate scrap of paper.
• Under each, write a TOPIC sentence, like (for staging):
“One of the ways Arthur Miller indicates a difference
between reality and fantasy in Death of a Salesman
is his use of staging.”
• Go through the text to find EVIDENCE that relates to
staging, i.e. the opening set description, stage directions
(Willy’s or other characters’ movement from one part of
the stage to another)
• REPEAT for the other two topics (Content, Language)
 Putting it together
Each page now has the material you will need to
build a body paragraph.
• Use your topic sentence as the first sentence, elaborate
on the point (your own opinion of the effectiveness of the
change in staging/content/language? Or other…)
• Incorporate your evidence, introducing each point
appropriately.
• Finish your paragraph with a transitional sentence, e.g.
“Miller’s staging alone indicates the switch between
reality and fantasy, but combined with a change in
content, the effect is strengthened considerably.
 The Introduction
Now that you have sorted out the content of
your paper, write the introduction.
• Include the text and topic your paper will cover.
• Outline the shape of your argument – what your
points are, and what order they will come in.
• Emphasise that this text is VISUAL, not a book
to be read, and so Miller uses a variety of
techniques specific to drama to make this play
effective.
 The Conclusion
You have set out to explore a particular
element of a particular play, so…
• Restate the purpose of your paper and
indicate that you have been successful in
achieving this purpose.
• Suggest ways that this understanding of this
particular element of the play enhances the
overall experience of DoS.