Literary Symbols

This analytical worksheet is designed for Grades 9-12 and guides students through an in-depth exploration of three major symbols in Death of a Salesman: Seeds, Stockings, and the Flute. Students begin by describing each symbol in its literal, concrete sense, then explain its deeper symbolic meaning within the play. They also identify a specific quote or scene where the symbol appears and analyze how it connects to central themes such as failure, hope, regret, memory, and the American Dream.

Learning Goals

• Symbolism Analysis (Secondary ELA) – Interpret how ordinary objects take on deeper meaning in drama
• Textual Evidence Use – Support symbolic interpretations with specific quotes or scenes
• Theme Development – Connect symbols to major ideas and conflicts in the play
• Interpretive Writing – Clearly explain figurative meaning using complete, analytical responses

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Aligned with high school literature and drama standards
• Scaffolded Analysis – Moves step-by-step from literal description to abstract interpretation
• Text-Grounded Thinking – Requires evidence-based reasoning rather than opinion
• Deepens Thematic Insight – Helps students see how symbols reinforce Willy Loman’s struggles
• Essay Preparation – Builds skills needed for symbolism paragraphs and literary analysis essays
• Low Prep – Print-and-use worksheet with clear sections and focused prompts

This literary symbols worksheet helps students understand how Arthur Miller uses recurring objects to communicate complex emotional and thematic ideas. By analyzing seeds, stockings, and the flute, learners gain deeper insight into Willy Loman’s inner life and the play’s critique of success, memory, and regret. Whether used during close reading or as an analytical review, this activity supports sophisticated, evidence-based interpretation of dramatic symbolism.

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