Death of a Salesman: Dramaturgy
Death of a Salesman, entitled by some "the greatest play of our generation," captures the quintessence of American realist plays in the mid-1900s. Detailing the struggles of everyday life, unattainability of the American dream, and fragility of family relationships, "Death of a Salesman" touches both surface and core issues in society. As a piece of literature and theatrical art, the play can be interpreted through numerous perspectives; every drama production interprets the vocals, music, costumes, and set slightly differently. The creative liberties allow for each production to be unique, yet require thorough research and understanding not only of the historical context, but also of the writer's intensions and anticipations. This webpage allows a comprehensive overview of Death of a Salesman historical and theatrical context needed to execute an accurate performance.
The entire script can be accessed here.
The entire script can be accessed here.
History: Daily Life in the mid 1900s
When the play was set:
"For Willy, it meant the American 1920s, the time when it all seemed to be coasting, expanding opportunity everywhere, the dream in full bloom" (Salesman in Beijing [New York and London, 1984], p.108) Willy's flashbacks fluctuate into the past; and in this play, the flashback setting is the 1920s.
The 1920s were a post-war celebration. Although Europe had lost a generation of men, America and the allied powers emerged victorious. With prohibition turning previously average citizens to law breakers, people were stepping out of their comfort zones. Women began breaking societal norms; "flappers" and "new money" gave rise to parties and celebration. Though much of the population was enjoying a rebellious streak, those returning home from war felt as if they were merely observers of their own life. The Roaring Twenties was a time period of both disillusionment and intensity.
Click Here for a video explaining America's troubles with alcohol throughout the early 1900s. Through explaining the history behind alcohol in America, the video establishes the immense influence alcohol had on America. Willy's character, depending upon interpretation of the text, potentially has an alcohol problem. It is also essential to know how intoxicated people were on a daily basis; characters' fears and behaviors are more easily understood.
Click Here to access a complete overview of life in America during the 1920s. With so many different movements occurring, from the Harlem Renaissance to the national fascination with radio, the 1920s holds thousands of different stories.
"For Willy, it meant the American 1920s, the time when it all seemed to be coasting, expanding opportunity everywhere, the dream in full bloom" (Salesman in Beijing [New York and London, 1984], p.108) Willy's flashbacks fluctuate into the past; and in this play, the flashback setting is the 1920s.
The 1920s were a post-war celebration. Although Europe had lost a generation of men, America and the allied powers emerged victorious. With prohibition turning previously average citizens to law breakers, people were stepping out of their comfort zones. Women began breaking societal norms; "flappers" and "new money" gave rise to parties and celebration. Though much of the population was enjoying a rebellious streak, those returning home from war felt as if they were merely observers of their own life. The Roaring Twenties was a time period of both disillusionment and intensity.
Click Here for a video explaining America's troubles with alcohol throughout the early 1900s. Through explaining the history behind alcohol in America, the video establishes the immense influence alcohol had on America. Willy's character, depending upon interpretation of the text, potentially has an alcohol problem. It is also essential to know how intoxicated people were on a daily basis; characters' fears and behaviors are more easily understood.
Click Here to access a complete overview of life in America during the 1920s. With so many different movements occurring, from the Harlem Renaissance to the national fascination with radio, the 1920s holds thousands of different stories.
If Willy's mind during the play is in the 1920s, then the rest of the play is set in the 1940s, and influenced by the 1930s. Willy cannot move forward; he is caught in the past. The other characters embrace their current day in age, resulting in a chronological assortment
The Stock Market crash of 1929 triggered The Great Depression, a tumultuous time for the American people and economy. The country’s massive technological innovations were halted due to lack of funds; thousands of people lost their jobs, skyrocketing unemployment. The previous ideal of the American Dream vanished into an unattainable fantasy. People lined up waiting for rations of soup, as others worked tedious hours for a salary that could not put food on the table. The struggle of survival had reached every family in some way, shape, or form.
Click Here to access a website that gives the facts and figures of the 1930s, providing insight into the daily lives of the Loman's at that time. Biff and Willy grew up in the midst of the Great Depression. They witness terrible moments of history, and understand the importance of stability. Willy's high hopes for them likely sprouted from the lack of wealth prevalent in America during this time.
The Stock Market crash of 1929 triggered The Great Depression, a tumultuous time for the American people and economy. The country’s massive technological innovations were halted due to lack of funds; thousands of people lost their jobs, skyrocketing unemployment. The previous ideal of the American Dream vanished into an unattainable fantasy. People lined up waiting for rations of soup, as others worked tedious hours for a salary that could not put food on the table. The struggle of survival had reached every family in some way, shape, or form.
Click Here to access a website that gives the facts and figures of the 1930s, providing insight into the daily lives of the Loman's at that time. Biff and Willy grew up in the midst of the Great Depression. They witness terrible moments of history, and understand the importance of stability. Willy's high hopes for them likely sprouted from the lack of wealth prevalent in America during this time.
World War Two, War Two engaged more countries and more technology than the world had previously seen. then America joined the war in 1941, every citizen's life would change forever. The "total war" mentality affected not only the American economy, but also the American people. After the war, America was eager for peace, security, and stability. The post- war era resulted in people living calm lives; television and other mass-production occurred. Many Americans did not want an exciting life, after witnessing the horrors of war, they simply wanted a nice job with a home and a family.
Click Here to learn more about the historical context of the American home front during World War Two. From the average life of the American Worker to the rise of Military celebrities, this website overviews what changes occurred in the continental United States. Television and radio, incredible technological feats that gathered people together, also displayed a rise in nationalism. Songs, especially, reflected the nationalism, to keep morale high and optimistic. “The Last Time I Saw Paris,” (Kern, Jerome / Hammerstein, Oscar Ii) “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” (Don Raye) and “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition,” (Kyser, Kay). All of these songs characterize the war era, a critical time for everyone who experienced it. The stress of nationalism during the time Miller was writing the book juxtaposes the anti- American dream mentality in "Death of a Salesman," revealing Miller's political stance on nationalism.
Click Here to access a website that provides a database for advertisements of the time, allowing readers to better understand the society in America during the 1940s. Many of the ads stress superficiality; exemplifying Willy's view on life. He cheated on his wife, and strived for popularity because he always cared too much about what everyone else thought. He was superficial, and these ads reflect that theme of the time.
Click Here to access a website with thousands of articles written by New York newspapers in the 1940s. This provides primary sources to better understand the mentality of the time, and the current events that may have inspired attitudes and actions.
Click Here to learn more about the historical context of the American home front during World War Two. From the average life of the American Worker to the rise of Military celebrities, this website overviews what changes occurred in the continental United States. Television and radio, incredible technological feats that gathered people together, also displayed a rise in nationalism. Songs, especially, reflected the nationalism, to keep morale high and optimistic. “The Last Time I Saw Paris,” (Kern, Jerome / Hammerstein, Oscar Ii) “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” (Don Raye) and “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition,” (Kyser, Kay). All of these songs characterize the war era, a critical time for everyone who experienced it. The stress of nationalism during the time Miller was writing the book juxtaposes the anti- American dream mentality in "Death of a Salesman," revealing Miller's political stance on nationalism.
Click Here to access a website that provides a database for advertisements of the time, allowing readers to better understand the society in America during the 1940s. Many of the ads stress superficiality; exemplifying Willy's view on life. He cheated on his wife, and strived for popularity because he always cared too much about what everyone else thought. He was superficial, and these ads reflect that theme of the time.
Click Here to access a website with thousands of articles written by New York newspapers in the 1940s. This provides primary sources to better understand the mentality of the time, and the current events that may have inspired attitudes and actions.
Character-Specific historical perspectives:
Willy- Willy was born and raised in a time of male dominance. Men were expected to support their families, placing immense amounts of pressure on Willy alone. He was raised to believe he was of a higher status than women, which explains his poor treatment of Linda throughout the novel. Not to mention, Willy lived through the pain of the first world war, the celebration but disillusionment of the 1920s, the Great Depression, and the Second World War. Willy's life saw traumatic events, that are torturing his mind. Linda- Linda witnessed the shift in gender roles after both world wars. She saw the rise of feminism with Flapper girls and "Rosie the Riveter," yet came home every day to a misogynistic family. Her husband and sons both treat women as second-class citizens, calling them "Strudel" as if women are objects of desire. (Miller 78) Linda has been treated poorly by her family, and her tired yet patient, nearly subservient personality, is likely influenced by this historical context. Biff and Happy- Biff and Happy lived through the Great Depression, and grew up with their parents heavily set in their ways. Biff and Happy's desires to work outside, enjoying the little thing sin life are very characteristic of that era in history. Everyone wanted security and peace, much like Biff and Happy. Their desire to marry and have families are more forced than voluntary, because at that time in history marriage was seen as necessary. Ben- Ben, Willy's older brother, "entered the jungle" at a young age, indicating that he fought in the first World War. Ben was always a father- figure to Willy, and his experiences in the war likely made his character more tough and reserved. Willy longed for a deeper relationship with his brother, but his brother remained closed off, as was common of those who went to war. |
Author Context: Arthur Miller
Arthur Miller published "Death of a Salesman" in 1949, almost instantly transforming him into a celebrity. Readers across the nation began referring to the play as "The Greatest American Tragedy Ever Written," and "A Literary Work of Art." The play requires knowledge of the author and his life to fully understand everything he intended by writing it.
"When today fails to offer the justification for hope, tomorrow becomes the only grail worth pursuing. Arthur Miller knew this." - Christopher Bigsby
The quote above exposes an element in Miller's writing that readers tend to overlook. He focuses intensely on the importance of continuing, and letting go of your past to accept the future. Willy's character's inability to move on hinders him from being successful, and leads to his eventual death. Willy's character therefore teaches the audience a moral: accept the past and move forward. No one will ever be successful debating what opportunities they missed; for, you will be so distracted wondering why you missed one opportunity that you will miss another. Willy's life is a tragic story, since he was never fulfilled, and lived his life as an observer.
Click Here to read a primary source article by Arthur Miller, discussing his view on Tragedy and the common man: how everyone experiences the same basic tragedies in their life. Miller wrote Willy and the Loman's to embody the "everyman;" the typical American Family. Their struggles parallel the struggles of all people. Miller elaborates upon the idea of a "fatal flaw;" everyone has one characteristic that will lead them to their demise. Whether it be hubris or incredible loyalty, the idea of fatal flaws have persisted throughout history, dating back to the ancient Greeks. Miller unpacks this idea and how "Death of a Salesman" encapsulates modern-day tragedy.
Click Here to read more about Miller's context upon writing this story. He criticized the idea of the American Dream, likely because of his experiences during the Great Depression. Miller also wrote "The Crucible," harshly denouncing the US government's search for communists. With such strong opinions, it is important to understand the author in order to understand his work.
to toto read to le to to learn
Click Here to read a short biography detailing Arthur Miller's life. As a political writer, he expressed his views often. The source provides a depth of knowledge about Arthur Miller's life and his experience of social stratification, a common theme in "Death of a Salesman." Miller's interpretation of success can also be analyzed when considering his life story, which provides valuable information about the Loman's purposes and reasons in life.
Click Here to read a primary source article by Arthur Miller, discussing his view on Tragedy and the common man: how everyone experiences the same basic tragedies in their life. Miller wrote Willy and the Loman's to embody the "everyman;" the typical American Family. Their struggles parallel the struggles of all people. Miller elaborates upon the idea of a "fatal flaw;" everyone has one characteristic that will lead them to their demise. Whether it be hubris or incredible loyalty, the idea of fatal flaws have persisted throughout history, dating back to the ancient Greeks. Miller unpacks this idea and how "Death of a Salesman" encapsulates modern-day tragedy.
Click Here to read more about Miller's context upon writing this story. He criticized the idea of the American Dream, likely because of his experiences during the Great Depression. Miller also wrote "The Crucible," harshly denouncing the US government's search for communists. With such strong opinions, it is important to understand the author in order to understand his work.
to toto read to le to to learn
Click Here to read a short biography detailing Arthur Miller's life. As a political writer, he expressed his views often. The source provides a depth of knowledge about Arthur Miller's life and his experience of social stratification, a common theme in "Death of a Salesman." Miller's interpretation of success can also be analyzed when considering his life story, which provides valuable information about the Loman's purposes and reasons in life.
Home and Family
What happens to a dream deferred? "A Dream Deferred" by Langston Hughes inspired the play A Raisin in the Sun, and perfectly captures Death of A Salesman. Both plays were written at the same time in history; a period where people idolized the American Dream and aimed for wealth and prosperity. Unfortunately, dreams are often never accomplished. People aspire toward their dreams, yet often must focus on smaller, day-to-day issues. Willy's dream, in the play, seems to have been deferred to a point where the cumulative issues boiled and eventually burst. His affair, his high expectations that were never achieved, his lost American Dream, all accumulated until they could no longer go unsaid. The climax of the novel, where Biff and Willy have a verbal dispute at the end of the novel, is, in a sense, Willy's dream exploding.
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When producing a play, stage setup and set design prove necessary for success. Historical accuracy allows new dimension and quality to the performance, and helps set the scene as the writer intended. A collection of photographs, drawings, and primary sources allow for a practical set that also reflects historical accuracy.
The family unit in "Death of a Salesman" provides critical insight into the time period and its social norms. Family is a motif throughout "Death of a Salesman," and actors on the stage need to be able to establish similar relationships. In order to fully develop the characters, time period norms as represented in the play must be followed.
Click here to access a website about the family in the mid-1900s. Living in the 1930s and 40s, people were very family- oriented and rarely lived alone. Families often had inner conflict, though, especially since divorce was not socially accepted. Understanding family values helps to deeper analyze the play.
This slideshow explains women's gender roles and stereotyping, helping to understand female characters.
Click here to access a website about the family in the mid-1900s. Living in the 1930s and 40s, people were very family- oriented and rarely lived alone. Families often had inner conflict, though, especially since divorce was not socially accepted. Understanding family values helps to deeper analyze the play.
This slideshow explains women's gender roles and stereotyping, helping to understand female characters.
Fashion and Costumes
Click here to explore more information about fashion in the 1900s. The sites elaborate on each decade of fashion and fashion changes, covering all of the different characters' individual costumes. Clothing parallels mentality of a time period; knowing the clothing allows for a deeper understanding of characters and history.
Click Here for a Pinterest page dedicated to hairstyles of the 1940s; this is helpful in determining how Linda's hair and Ms. Forsyth's may have looked.
Click Here for a Pinterest page dedicated to hairstyles of the 1940s; this is helpful in determining how Linda's hair and Ms. Forsyth's may have looked.
Music
- Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out- Bessie Smith:
The Lyrics capture exactly how Willy feels throughout the play. For a start, the song was written in 1929; Willy is still mentally in the 1920s because he cannot escape his past. The song is characteristic of the time Willy is stuck in, and also elaborates on the ideologies Willy describes. He believes that money and popularity are the only things one needs in life; yet, he no longer has either of these things. "In my pocket not one penny/ And my friends I haven't any" captures Willy's life in the play.
- Sonata in G - Bach:
The song, played by a flute, exemplifies the flute music described at the beginning of the play. "A melody is heard, played upon a flute. It is small and fine, telling of grass and tress and the horizon" (Miller 1) . The song's light and airy qualities, yet gorgeous melody allow a pleasant sound for the audience.
- State of Dreaming- Marina and the Diamonds:
The modern song provides lyrics that convey the exact emotions Willy, the struggling protagonist, feels throughout the play. He has been "living in a state of dreaming," for quite some time; "I opened the windshield and just let the warm air bathe over me. And then all of a sudden I'm goin' off the road!" (Miller 3) Willy cannot grasp reality anymore; he is too disconnected from the world to be truly living in it. "How I know my time is near," is yet another lyric of Marina's that perfectly captures Willy's character. He has been attempting suicide; for, he drinks gasoline from his car and purposefully gets into accidents in an attempt to end his pain. He knows that his time is near because he has been trying to reach it. Not to mention, his "life is a play," literally.
- In a Sentimental Mood- Ella Fitzgerald:
The lyrics of this song are very emotional, displaying deep and sultry vocals. It would begin to play as soon at "The Woman" is shown behind the scrim. It would give the audience insight into Willy's affair.
- Hero- Family of the Year:
The song encapsulates Biff's emotions throughout the play. "So let me go/ I don't wanna be your hero/ I don't wanna be your big man" and other lyrics display Biff's desire to be average and just live a simple life full of simple freedoms, despite what his father wants for him. Biff does not want to be the "hero" of Willy's story, since Willy can never be the hero of his.
The Lyrics capture exactly how Willy feels throughout the play. For a start, the song was written in 1929; Willy is still mentally in the 1920s because he cannot escape his past. The song is characteristic of the time Willy is stuck in, and also elaborates on the ideologies Willy describes. He believes that money and popularity are the only things one needs in life; yet, he no longer has either of these things. "In my pocket not one penny/ And my friends I haven't any" captures Willy's life in the play.
- Sonata in G - Bach:
The song, played by a flute, exemplifies the flute music described at the beginning of the play. "A melody is heard, played upon a flute. It is small and fine, telling of grass and tress and the horizon" (Miller 1) . The song's light and airy qualities, yet gorgeous melody allow a pleasant sound for the audience.
- State of Dreaming- Marina and the Diamonds:
The modern song provides lyrics that convey the exact emotions Willy, the struggling protagonist, feels throughout the play. He has been "living in a state of dreaming," for quite some time; "I opened the windshield and just let the warm air bathe over me. And then all of a sudden I'm goin' off the road!" (Miller 3) Willy cannot grasp reality anymore; he is too disconnected from the world to be truly living in it. "How I know my time is near," is yet another lyric of Marina's that perfectly captures Willy's character. He has been attempting suicide; for, he drinks gasoline from his car and purposefully gets into accidents in an attempt to end his pain. He knows that his time is near because he has been trying to reach it. Not to mention, his "life is a play," literally.
- In a Sentimental Mood- Ella Fitzgerald:
The lyrics of this song are very emotional, displaying deep and sultry vocals. It would begin to play as soon at "The Woman" is shown behind the scrim. It would give the audience insight into Willy's affair.
- Hero- Family of the Year:
The song encapsulates Biff's emotions throughout the play. "So let me go/ I don't wanna be your hero/ I don't wanna be your big man" and other lyrics display Biff's desire to be average and just live a simple life full of simple freedoms, despite what his father wants for him. Biff does not want to be the "hero" of Willy's story, since Willy can never be the hero of his.
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Speech and Jargon
The mid-1900s saw thousands of new terms and expressions: figures of speech not commonly in circulation today. This list helps to provide an overview of what words/ phrases actually implied:
Studebaker- in reference to an early car company
No Soap- an expression used to say "no luck," or nothing to show for
Scout- a playful nickname, similar to "bud" or "pal"
Kid- often used in reference to a friend; "bud" or "pal"
Gee- an interjection used to show amazement
High- referring to drunk; heavy alcohol intake
Chippies- referring to young women
Yellow- a description word meaning cowardly or weak
Paint this town- a figure of speech implying have fun and be reckless
Malted- a milkshake
On call- referring to a "call girl" or prostitute
Click Here to view an alphabetized "dictionary" of slang terms from the 1950s, and their translation into modern diction of today. This source is helpful; for, when reading any material it is critical to know what words mean, along with their associations and connotations. Without fully understanding the meanings of the words, the actors cannot give a fully knowledgeable presentation.
Studebaker- in reference to an early car company
No Soap- an expression used to say "no luck," or nothing to show for
Scout- a playful nickname, similar to "bud" or "pal"
Kid- often used in reference to a friend; "bud" or "pal"
Gee- an interjection used to show amazement
High- referring to drunk; heavy alcohol intake
Chippies- referring to young women
Yellow- a description word meaning cowardly or weak
Paint this town- a figure of speech implying have fun and be reckless
Malted- a milkshake
On call- referring to a "call girl" or prostitute
Click Here to view an alphabetized "dictionary" of slang terms from the 1950s, and their translation into modern diction of today. This source is helpful; for, when reading any material it is critical to know what words mean, along with their associations and connotations. Without fully understanding the meanings of the words, the actors cannot give a fully knowledgeable presentation.
Other Theater Productions
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Every production of a play differs slightly, and it is important to analyze past productions, to further the depth of understanding. It is also helpful to see how past performances problem-solved different elements: how they designed the set, costumes, and music. It helps to watch previous performances to make your production exceptional.
1) "Death of a Salesman" manifested in the form of a 1985 movie. 2) A high school production imagined the play slightly differently. 3) Videos, as opposed to plays, display different set progression. 4) The trailer provides a different twist on the characters, which can be taken into consideration when producing the play. |
Works Cited
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Miller, Arthur, and Gerald Clifford Weales.Death of a Salesman. New York: Penguin, 1996. Print.
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"The Andrews Sisters - Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." Vimeo. Web. 12 Jan. 2015. <http://vimeo.com/8452276>.
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"Act One - Death of a Salesman." YouTube. YouTube. Web. 21 Jan. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z6qWSJg9nA>.
"Ann Sothern - The Last Time I Saw Paris."YouTube. YouTube. Web. 12 Jan. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2c9cVfIov4&feature=player_embedded>.
"Barnard Bulletin Newspaper Archives (1948) New York, New York." Barnard Bulletin (1948). Web. 21 Jan. 2015. <http://newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/new-york/barnard-bulletin/1948/>.
"Bessie Smith - Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out (1929)." YouTube. YouTube. Web. 12 Jan. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7_UtATeCvg>.
"Bessie Smith." - Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out Lyrics. Web. 12 Jan. 2015. <http://www.metrolyrics.com/nobody-knows-you-when-youre-down-and-out-lyrics-bessie-smith.html>.
"Dean Martin." - The Last Time I Saw Paris Lyrics. Web. 12 Jan. 2015. <http://www.metrolyrics.com/the-last-time-i-saw-paris-lyrics-dean-martin.html>.
"Death of a Salesman Context."SparkNotes. SparkNotes. Web. 12 Jan. 2015. <http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/salesman/context.html>
"Death of a Salesman." YouTube. YouTube. Web. 12 Jan. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoJZm5zX3AE>.
"Death of a Salesman Trailer." YouTube. YouTube. Web. 21 Jan. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFyv-eF3uu8>.
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"Ella Fitzgerald - In a Sentimental Mood."YouTube. YouTube. Web. 12 Jan. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gOij0El_IY>.
Halley, Catherine, and Langston Hughes. "Harlem." Poetry Foundation. Poetry Foundation. Web. 21 Jan. 2015. <http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/175884>.
"Johann Sebastian Bach, Sonata in G Minor for Flute and Harpsichord BVW 1020, Flute Marija Spasic." YouTube. YouTube. Web. 12 Jan. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKy3K1zD6-Q>.
Keefe, Joe. "Family Of The Year." MetroLyrics. Web. 21 Jan. 2015. <http://www.metrolyrics.com/hero-lyrics-family-of-the-year.html>.
"Marina and The Diamonds." Marina And The Diamonds. Web. 12 Jan. 2015. <http://www.metrolyrics.com/the-state-of-dreaming-lyrics-marina-and-the-diamonds.html>.
Miller, Arthur, and Gerald Clifford Weales.Death of a Salesman. New York: Penguin, 1996. Print.
"Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition - Kay Kyser." YouTube. YouTube. Web. 12 Jan. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCpwMQ8cRRc>.
"Slang in the 1950s." Web. 13 Jan. 2015. <http://www.citrus.k12.fl.us/staffdev/social studies/pdf/slang of the 1950s.pdf>.
"STATE OF DREAMING" [Lyrics] | MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS." YouTube. YouTube. Web. 12 Jan. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A--I4scr8VU>.
"The U.S. Home Front During World War II."History.com. A&E Television Networks. Web. 12 Jan. 2015. <http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/us-home-front-during-world-war-ii>.
"The Andrews Sisters - Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." Vimeo. Web. 12 Jan. 2015. <http://vimeo.com/8452276>.
"The Year 1930 News, Prices and Popular Culture." What Happened in 1930 Inc. Pop Culture, Prices and Events. Web. 12 Jan. 2015. <http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1930.html>.
"Vintage Clothes/ Fashion Ads of the 1920s." Vintage Clothes/ Fashion Ads of the 1920s. Web. 21 Jan. 2015. <http://www.vintageadbrowser.com/clothes-ads-1920s>.
"World War II Comes to America: Pearl Harbor." - For Dummies. Web. 12 Jan. 2015. <http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/world-war-ii-comes-to-america-pearl-harbor.html>.
Photograph Credits
(1) http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/10/07/business/07adco_450.jpg
(2) http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/upload/yuiupload/45015703.jpg
(3) http://www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/hist/advertis/images/ads7-09b.jpg
(4) http://cw.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415886796/images/chapter4/figure4-5.jpg
(5) http://core1220fall2012mw8.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/greatdepression.jpg
(6) http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5kv0hA1n2HM/TQU378rtPFI/AAAAAAAAABg/VdK8ehKNo8c/s1600/rosie_the_riveter.jpg
(7) http://media.moddb.com/images/groups/1/4/3784/INFANTRY_ASSUALT.jpg
(8) http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/38/Arthur-miller.jpg
(9) http://vidaefectiva.com.ve/bitacora/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Marilyn-con-Arthur-Miller.jpg
(9.1) http://ngb.chebucto.org/Dist_Photo/sjc-0905-holwell-family-1940s.jpg
(9.2) http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4079/4759329035_eac9e50e91_z.jpg
(10) http://www.retrosnapshots.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/b/o/boston67_1.jpg
(11) http://museumvictoria.com.au/collections/itemimages/378/995/378995_large.jpg
(12) http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/images/nyregion/20120501-census/harlem-bridge-before.jpg
(13) http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/667/cache/boston-filenes-crowd-people-archive_66758_600x450.jpg
(14) http://www.crossley-motors.org.uk/history/1930/sportssaloon.jpg
(15) http://retrorenovation.com/galleries/1940s-kitchens/
(16) http://retrorenovation.com/galleries/1940s-kitchens/
(17) http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MNCmLwj_Wlk/TVrhCvq3fDI/AAAAAAAACFY/tq6h_fpSFrM/s1600/1940s+housewife+serves+lunch.jpg
(18) http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AeULh9BHpHM/Twy5Z1ubn2I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/ciJe1Ah9Rkg/s1600/dita1940s-thumb-450x673-723.jpg
(19) https://diaryofanalevelstudent.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/makedo_40s.jpg
(20) http://www.mintagevintage.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/1940s-day-dress-war-years.jpg
(21) http://www.1940s-fashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/1940-mens-suits-sport-coats-catalog.jpg
(22) http://www.1940s-fashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/1940-mens-casual-pants.jpg
(23) http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCn0zibygOY/T8PRZ-Aui8I/AAAAAAAAAEI/erBmDX8wSN4/s1600/fashion-14.jpg
(24) http://www.rison-dallas.com/images/early1940s_rison_football.jpg
(25) http://www.vintagedancer.com/1920s/1920s-fashion-men/
Top photo-collage photos:
http://www.eukicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Death-of-a-Salesman-Tee_2.jpg
http://deathofasalesman1.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/deathofsalesman.jpg
http://iainglen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/death-of-a-salesman.jpg
http://jgladstonemcnair.wikispaces.com/file/view/death%20of%20a%20salesman.jpg/504152522/death%20of%20a%20salesman.jpg
http://stagevu.com/img/thumbnail/vyusbuvepzrvbig.jpg