Death of a Traveling Salesman

Shortly before he collapses, Bowman feels “[h]e must get back to where he had been before” (118). Despite the cruciality of this line, the narrative leaves its meaning ambiguous. Is there a single interpretation that is superior to others? Why or why not?

Analyze the story’s title and the protagonist’s name. How might Welty’s choices have influenced Arthur Miller’s title and protagonist’s name in his play “Death of a Salesman”? Do the two works share themes, or are they even comparable?

While the woman is the only female character directly in the story, there is also Bowman’s grandmother. What do these women have in common? How do those qualities compare to the qualities of the male characters?

Though Bowman strays from his destination of Beulah, this leads to his meeting the woman and Sonny, an encounter with transformative potential for Bowman. Given that Bowman’s lostness is symbolic, what does his detour say about Welty’s view of life?

Contrast Bowman’s and Sonny’s dialogue throughout the story. What do the differences say about each character? How does the contrast reveal the story’s themes?

Which literary elements most create the Modernist style of the story? Trace their development throughout and connect them with the literary movement.

Why is the woman never given a name in the story? Does her namelessness enhance her character or detract from it? Consider using a feminist lens in your analysis.

What does Bowman’s death suggest about sales as a cornerstone of the modern American economy? How does that compare to Sonny’s livelihood and well-being? Consider using a Marxist lens in your analysis.