Death Of A Salesman Context Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is the American Dream?
The idea that anyone can achieve prosperity and success through hard work, determination, and resilience, regardless of background.
It fueled ideas of individualism, upward mobility, and personal achievement.
What was the Great Depression?
A period of severe economic downturn from 1929 to 1939 that affected millions globally, especially in the US.
It was marked by high unemployment, widespread poverty, and the collapse of the stock market.
What were the effects of the Great Depression on Americans?
Many Americans lost their jobs, homes, and savings, leading to intense social upheaval and questioning of the capitalist system.
How did the Great Depression affect the perception of the American Dream?
It caused many to question the attainability of the American Dream, which was previously seen as a realistic goal.
The collapse proved that no amount of effort could guarantee success in a system prone to sudden failure.
What was the generational divide regarding success during the Great Depression?
Older generations clung to pre-Depression ideas of success, viewing personal failure as a result of individual shortcomings, while younger generations redefined success to focus on securing basic needs rather than wealth.
What were the limited role options for men and women?
Men could be both responsible and irresponsible, while women had no such leeway. Women could either be homemakers or socially condemned (e.g., ‘Whoredom’).
What risks did women face for seeking independence?
Women risked being labeled immoral for minor acts of independence, such as seeking employment.
What was the impact of suffrage on women’s roles in the 1920s?
Despite advancements in voting rights and sexual liberation, many women clung to traditional domestic roles.
How did advertisements influence women’s roles?
Advertisements reinforced that women’s primary role was in the home, such as those promoting products like Congoleum rugs.
What was Linda’s view on running a household?
Linda expressed contentment with running the household, reflecting the internalized societal expectations of women in the 1940s-1950s.
What criticism did independent women face?
Both men and women criticized ‘new women’ who sought careers or independence, portraying them as unnatural or harmful to society.
How did writers view independent married women?
Writers like Carmand viewed independent married women as parasitic.
What did Nay-smirn suggest about new social norms?
Nay-smirn suggested that new social norms were detrimental to traditional family structures.
What did Naye-Smirn argue women should focus on?
Naye-Smirn argued women should focus on motherhood and related roles.
What does Carmand criticize young women for?
Carmand criticizes young women for being perceived as socially deviant.
How does society maintain its control over women’s roles?
Society maintains control through fear of being seen as ‘whore’ or socially deviant.
What role do advertisements and media suggest for women?
Advertisements and media suggested women’s role was to serve her family and manage the house.
What qualities were overlooked and reduced in women?
Women’s potential and qualities were overlooked and reduced to traditional roles.
