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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. According to Sue, a person can never owe someone money without what?

2. What sarcastic expression does Sue use to refer to the Kellers?

3. What order does Kate Keller repeatedly give Joe Keller at the end of the act?

4. What belonging of Larry's has Kate recently found?

5. Why did Joe Keller throw out a sack of potatoes?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Chris's plan now that he knows the truth about his family?

2. Describe Joe Keller.

3. Why does Joe take his own life?

4. What is Joe and Kate Keller's concern about George Deever coming to their house?

5. Describe the story that Jim tells about the year he left his family.

6. Describe the dream that Kate had the night before the play begins.

7. What did Joe think would happen after the faulty cylinder heads went out?

8. What is George's attitude toward the setting?

9. Explain the roots of Chris' sense of guilt after the war?

10. How did Larry die, according to his letter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chris Keller is presented throughout the play as a mingling of strength and weakness. Write an essay on the topic of what hardships Chris can withstand and what seemingly small issues cripple him and drive him to tears. Why is Chris this way?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about the Keller family's place in the community at the beginning of the play. How do they believe they are perceived by the neighborhood and how are they perceived in reality? How do they maintain their supposed status? Cite specific moments in the play to corroborate your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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