Requirements

• Formulate a clear, debatable thesis that takes a stance on the underlying cause of Willy's tragedy.
• Incorporate at least three specific pieces of textual evidence (dialogue, stage directions, or significant scenes) to bolster your argument.
• Consider and counter a counterargument (for instance, that capitalism or societal pressures are the main reasons for Willy's failure).
• Conclude by linking Willy's outcome to Miller's broader critique of the American Dream and its effects on personal identity.

Requirements

• Formulate a clear, defensible thesis that takes a stance on the impact of self-delusion in Willy's tragedy.
• Incorporate at least three specific pieces of textual evidence (dialogue, stage directions, or key scenes) to bolster your argument.
• Address and counter at least one opposing viewpoint (e.g., that society or capitalism is the main reason for Willy's failure).
• Conclude by reflecting on the larger implications of Miller's critique — what does Willy's journey reveal about the pitfalls of the American Dream?

Your essay should:

• Articulate a clear, defensible thesis that asserts a claim about Miller's depiction of the American Dream and its effects on Willy Loman and his family.
• Incorporate at least three pieces of textual evidence from various acts or scenes of the play.
• Analyze how Miller's dramatic techniques (for instance, the use of memory sequences, the symbolism of the seeds/garden, and Willy's self-delusion) enhance the play's thematic argument.
• Respond to at least one counterargument—such as the notion that Willy's failure stems from personal shortcomings rather than systemic issues—and effectively refute it.
• Conclude by linking Miller's critique to a broader discussion about mid-20th century American society.