View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How many times has George Deever gone to see his father at the prison before today?

2. With whom does Jim say he wants to play golf?

3. Which of the following is not a career that Joe Keller says was an option as a child?

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

5. In what month does the play take place?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain Joe Keller's logic for Steve Deever's "mistake" at the factory.

2. What does George Deever tell Ann when he arrives at the Kellers'?

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

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

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

6. What is Chris doing at the beginning of the act, and how does Kate feel about it?

7. What is the significance of the fallen tree in the Kellers' yard?

8. What is the thrust of Chris's final argument to his father?

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

10. Describe Jim Bayliss' relationship with his wife.

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

Miller's play is wonderfully layered in the sense that it contains many smaller characters with developed and nuanced attitudes toward man's duty towards his fellow man. Their ideas about their place in the world are complex and passionate. Write an essay in three parts regarding three of these characters and how his day-to-day life bolsters and challenges his beliefs:

Part 1) Frank Lubey

Part 2) Jim Bayliss

Part 3) George Deever

Essay Topic 3

Two characters that never actually appear onstage are central drivers of action in All My Sons. Write an essay on the effect that these two characters have on the plot of the play, citing conversations that other characters have regarding them.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 994 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample