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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Joe Keller says a doctor could make a million dollars if he could bring a boy into the world without what body part?

2. What does Kate like about Chris's removal of the fallen tree?

3. Where did Jim Bayliss refuse to drive Sue because of the heat?

4. Which of the following is not something that Chris groups in with the "loot" he took from the war?

5. What section of the paper is Chris always reading?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was Kate Keller's advice to George regarding Lydia?

2. Describe Frank Lubey and Ann's interchange.

3. Why is Joe asleep at the beginning of Act 2?

4. Why does Joe only read the want ads in the paper?

5. Describe the relationship between George and Kate.

6. Why does Kate have to go into the house?

7. Why does Joe take his own life?

8. How does Joe defend himself to Chris regarding the money he made?

9. How do Joe and Chris view the world differently?

10. How does George describe his father?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ann Deever is a surrogate in many respects for the audience in the play. She is familiar with the Keller family but not with the web of delusion and lies that has held their household together since the factory scandal and Larry's death. Write an essay about Ann's relationship with several characters and how it reflects the audience's reaction to the Keller family.

Part 1) Ann is in love with Chris Keller for his idealism and yearning for a life that stands for more than making money. She fears that his presence in a house with his parents is driving him to despair. How does her love for Chris reflect our attitude towards him? How does their relationship reflect our relationship to Miller's message?

Part 2) From her arrival at the house, Ann is in conflict with Kate Keller about Larry. How does this conflict amplify the truly destructive delusion that tears the Kellers apart daily?

Part 3) Examine Ann's ambivalent relationship with Joe. How does her affection that changes to pitied revulsion change our attitude toward Joe as a character?

Essay Topic 2

Chris Keller is a surrogate for Arthur Miller in this play, since his idealism and world view reflect the message of Miller's play. His debates with Joe are Miller's debates with the world. Write an essay on the topic of Chris as a surrogate for the playwright, citing three messages Miller intends to get across and how Chris projects them.

Essay Topic 3

Kate Keller is the most stalwart advocate of the deluded system that is the Keller household. This results in a growing paranoia in her character throughout the play. Write an essay on the growing desperation that Kate experiences throughout the play, citing three specific examples in the text.

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