Death of a Salesman | Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - Act 1, Pages 130-149

1. What is the significance of the way the Loman house is presented when the play begins?

2. Why has Willy unexpectedly returned from his journey?

3. What is Linda's attitude to Willy's return?

4. In the first few minutes of the play, what indications are there that Willy has an affinity with the artistic and creative?

5. In what way is Linda realistic about life?

6. In what sense is Willy ironic when he comments that it is obscene for...
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