Identity Flashcards

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1
Q

How do tragedies traditionally end?

A

The hero recognises their flaws and new identity

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2
Q

What is similar between King Lear and Willy Loman?

A

“Who is it that can tell me who I am?”
Lear’s struggle in identity is likened to Willy in Act Two, as he clings to his identity as a salesman and his family name:
“I am not a dime a dozen! I am Willy Loman and you are Biff Loman!”

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3
Q

Who is it that reveals to the protagonist their true identity in both King Lear and Death of a Salesman?

A

In King Lear it is the Fool, in DOAS it is Biff:
“I am not a leader of men Willy and neither are you”

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4
Q

What quotation is used when Biff reveals Willy’s identity to him and shows that Biff is secure about his identity and not in denial or delusional like his father?

A

“I am not a leader of men Willy and neither are you”

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5
Q

How does Miller draw significance to names?

A

Loman can be seen as ‘low man’ emphasising Willy’s position towards the bottom end of society

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6
Q

What is the effect of Ben being the only character to refer to Willy as ‘William’?

A

‘Willy’ is a Childs diminutive which deprives him of his dignity and shows his failure to get an adult grip on life

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7
Q

In Act Two, why does Biff call Willy by his first name and not ‘pop’?

A

Biff may no longer see Willy as a father figure and sees him as equal in society

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8
Q

What quotation shows Willy has the need to be valued as unique, though shows that he fails to recognise his limits and the reality?

A

“Call out the name Willy Loman and see what happens”

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9
Q

What is the effect of Howard calling Willy “kid”?

A

It is insulting to Willy as Howard is young enough to be Willy’s son. Also Willy claims that he named Howard as a child so he deserves more respect

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