Composition Assignment: Writing a Eulogy for Willy Loman

Eulogy – a speech or writing in praise of a deceased person.

You will be taking on the persona of Biff Loman who is writing and delivering his father’s eulogy at the funeral.

Here are some categories to consider when developing the parts of your eulogy:

·  Life History – talks about the person’s life, awards, and achievements. Biff talks about and interprets Willy’s experiences.

·  Shared Memories – personal recollections from Biff’s perspective.

·  Tribute – focuses on the achievements and accomplishments of the person.

·  Legacy – focuses on the achievements and/or projects that a person is leaving behind; they could be relevant to his family and/or his profession.

·  Using Main Points – Choose major points about the person’s life and use these to highlight/analyze your thoughts. These points can then be used to summarize and offer a concluding perspective at the conclusion of the eulogy.

·  Special Themes – develop by including relevant themes for the person (and to Miller, of course!).

Although this writing will be a tribute to Willy, remember that Biff’s realization (of who he is and who his father really was) is arrived at only after years of personal pain and continual conflict with his father. Such a struggle should be included in the tone of your writing.

Organization:

Writing Discourse: creative/analytical/informational

Introduction: one paragraph

Body: three paragraphs (three points). Each body paragraph must contain at least one significant quote that you use to build your important analytical point about Willy. You will build each paragraph by choosing specific details of the play such as other characters’ influences, events, plot development, character motivation, character flaws, character values, development of themes, symbols, metaphors, etc. Use proper documentation of quotes.

Conclusion: summary/analytical perspective of “What went wrong?” or “lessons learned” which could be Willy’s only worthwhile legacy to Biff.

Focus Areas: (20) Selection/development of three points;

analysis of three points

(20) Effective use of quotations/documentation –

remember to blend quotes – lead in and lead out with

analysis – Don’t just dump! Utilize pull-outs such as

“diamond in the jungle.”

(20) Vivid word choices/specific language of the text (show

you know)

(20) Grammar/Mechanics: no run-ons, comma splices, passive

voice, or vague constructions: “It is”; “It was”; no this

without a noun following; no dangling or misplaced modifiers; use of comma after introductory elements; NO USE OF THE WORD SHOW IN ANY OF ITS FORMS!

Begin by visiting my wiki where you will open up the link under writing entitled “How to Write a Eulogy?”: www.drmcpeak.wikispaces.com

Examine how to write eulogies for a father; read sample eulogies to absorb style and content. Take notes that will help you to develop your eulogy.