Theme Matching

This analytical worksheet is designed for Grades 9-12 and helps students deepen their understanding of Death of a Salesman by analyzing eight key quotes from the play. Students read each quotation and determine which of four major themes it best represents-The American Dream, Betrayal, Illusion vs. Reality, or Family Loyalty-then record the correct theme letter in a matching grid. The format encourages close reading, comparison, and careful interpretation of Arthur Miller’s dialogue.

Learning Goals

• Theme Identification (Secondary ELA) – Recognize and distinguish between central themes in a literary work
• Dialogue Interpretation – Analyze how character speech reveals deeper ideas and conflicts
• Critical Thinking – Evaluate figurative meaning and authorial intent
• Textual Comparison – Compare quotes to determine thematic alignment

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Aligned with high school literature and analysis standards
• Focused Quote Analysis – Reinforces close reading of key moments in the play
• Clear, Structured Format – Matching grid supports organization and accuracy
• Builds Thematic Awareness – Helps students see how ideas recur across characters and scenes
• Flexible Use – Ideal for guided practice, review, formative assessment, or discussion prep
• Low Prep – Print-and-use worksheet with clear directions

This theme matching worksheet helps students move from recognizing quotes to understanding their broader significance. By connecting dialogue to major themes in Death of a Salesman, learners strengthen interpretive skills and gain insight into Miller’s critique of success, family, and self-deception. Whether used as a skill-building activity or a review tool, this resource supports thoughtful, text-based literary analysis.

This worksheet is part of our Death of a Salesman Worksheets collection.