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Opening Stage directions - Coggle Diagram
Opening Stage directions
Key quotes
"small and fine"- shows fragility of their lives, haunting and solemn to heighten the tragic nature of the story that will unfold
"telling of grass and trees"- music suggests a natural setting and this is juxtaposed with the actual, urban setting
"towering, angular shapes"- suggest urban environment with no life or character
"angry glow of orange"- glow of city and contrasts the natural world that Willy thrives in; because of his surroundings feels forced into this urban life that he is not suited to
"barely visible"- they are barely seen by others; no one acknowledges their troubles as they are just a common family
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Set and staging
the ambience of the lifeless buildings contrasts how it was when they first moved and juxtaposes their "home" that has warmth and character as it is from another time
"small, fragile seeming home" suggests delicateness of their lives as they have never been secure
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the buildings on all sides make their home out of their depth mirroring how Willy is drowning in his career
the buildings are high and established but Willy isn't and he is out of reach of this esteemed way of life like his house is out of reach of the sky scraping machines for living
constructive and crowded city- why Willy's mind is detached from overwhelming reality. They were crammed in for practicality, cramming Willy out of the workplace
descriptive language creates an unsettling home for a broken family- pointless dreams are suffocated by the reality in the setting
transparency and lack of consistency and with the setting of the Loman household make a confusing setting to match Willy's mind
lack of financial security emphasised by simplicity of kitchen- fridge reminds Willy of how we has not achieved the American Dream
House is somewhere he can imposed his beliefs as he has the control he lacks in wider society- showing what is going on inside his head.
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contrast between house and tall buildings shows the conflict between past and present in the world and particularly in Willy's mind
Lighting
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light symbolises their dreams and house represents the fragility of their family- thus the lighting emphasises futility of their dreams as it is contrasted with humbleness of their home
Sound
The flute (signifier) is a metonym for Willy's father thus he is the first presence on stage and casts a shadow over the tragedy
Father's immediate presence in form of the flute shows Willy's family values first as characters cannot know themselves until they know where they came from
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The presence of his father may also indicate Willy's end of life on Earth so Willy is fated to die from the opening
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Characterisation
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"dressed quietly"- reiterates his status as a common man who does not fall from nobility but a state which we are all capable of- we are all capable of tragedy
Linda's devotions to Willy emphasised and her disregard for his behaviour emphasises the love and also her passivity
"lets his burden down"- cases represent work and this direction symbolises his work is a burden as it doesn't suit him so he cannot achieve the status he strives for
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