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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. What appliance does Lydia accidentally plug in?

2. How often has Ann written her father since he's been in prison?

3. What is different about the Kellers' yard at the beginning of the play

4. What type of whether does the paper forecast for the evening?

5. What does Joe Keller fear is George Deever's intention by visiting his father?

Short Essay Questions

1. In this section of Act 1, what deal do Joe and Chris strike regarding Chris's staying with the family business?

2. Why does Kate have to believe that Larry is still alive?

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

4. How does George describe his father?

5. Why does George believe that Chris already knows Joe is guilty?

6. How does Kate recommend Joe make amends to Chris?

7. What plans does Joe Keller make for the evening?

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

9. What does Bert report to Joe Keller in Act 1?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The tragedy of Joe Keller's life is driven by his realization that the world does not end with his family. His only impetus to do right is to do right by his wife and sons. Write about this topic in three parts:

Part 1) Joe Keller and his son Chris have two conversations about Chris' plans for the future. Chris is disillusioned by the individualism of America after the war. What does Joe want from his son, more than anything? How do his wishes reflect a lack of understanding of his son's world view?

Part 2) Joe Keller successfully lies to himself for three and a half years regarding his complicity in the deaths of 21 pilots. How does his attitude toward his family and the rest of the world make this an easy delusion for him?

Part 3) How does Larry's letter shatter Joe Keller's world view? What does Joe realize about his duty to the world at large that brings him to kill himself?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the characters of Steve Deever and Joe Keller. The two are often compared and analyzed by Joe and others. Which is the more dominant in the relationship and how does each's attitude toward the other affect the plot?

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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