We discussed the relationship between theme and stage setting as well as the symbolism inherent in Willy Loman's car and house. After studying Miller's stage directions and Willy's dialogue ,Joshua did well recognizing the imagery of a trap or an enclosure. We discussed how Willy is trapped by his idealistic even quixotic belief in the dream of American opportunity for all. I noted the perhaps now forgotten symbolism of owning a car and outright owning a home as emblems of success . In this regard, we examined how the opening lines of the play reference Willy's "crashing" the car reflecting the thematic erosion of the American dream . I further provided instruction on the play's bending of time explaining how the playwright through staging conveys the ongoing time warps in the play. Joshua discussed how the past's intruding upon the present suggests Willy Loman's infatuation with an idealized past . We examined how Willy's inability to adjust to the new American reality is the impetus of the play's tragedy .