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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Willy's plan for cutting off the tree branch show us about him?
(a) That he wants to steal lumber.
(b) That he has practical common sense and is suited to outdoor work.
(c) That he is not interested in preserving the environment.
(d) That he could have been a tree surgeon.

2. What derogatory comment does Biff make about Willy?
(a) That he looks like a salesman.
(b) That he has no talent for earning money.
(c) That he has no character.
(d) That he looks like a walrus.

3. At the beginning of Act Two, how does Willy express a new optimism?
(a) He says he will talk to Bill Oliver.
(b) He says he will buy a new blue suit.
(c) He says he will get the boys to help him plant some seeds.
(d) He says he would like to buy some seeds.

4. What does Linda suggest is "not nice?"
(a) That Biff has Bernard help him cheat at Math.
(b) That Biff has stolen a football.
(c) That Biff is "stuck up."
(d) That Biff is driving a car without a licence.

5. In what way does Willy contradict himself in this opening scene?
(a) He boasts about his sales, then says he's a hopeless salesman.
(b) Willy first describes Biff as "a lazy bum," then a few seconds later says "Biff--he's not lazy."
(c) He first asks Linda for a sandwich, then says he'll just drink some milk.
(d) He first says that Biff is not lazy, then calls him "a lazy bum."

6. Who does Happy say is his ideal girl?
(a) Someone with financial experience
(b) Someone who is a good cook and a good typist
(c) Anyone he can look up to and who will help him get along
(d) Someone like his mother

7. What does Howard say about his new wire recorder?
(a) He thinks it represents a new product that Willy might sell.
(b) It will be the communicatioin tool of the future.
(c) It will soon be outdated and he regrets buying it.
(d) It is the most fascinating relaxation he has ever found.

8. What, in Willy's behavior, embarrasses Happy?
(a) Willy has been mocking Biff.
(b) Willy has been talking to himself.
(c) Willy does not know the way to Florida.
(d) Willy has been singing in the lift.

9. What surrounds the Salesman's house?
(a) Office buildings
(b) Tall apartment buildings
(c) A wide stoop
(d) Countryside

10. What is a synonym for 'trepidation'?
(a) Anger
(b) Timidity
(c) Disquiet
(d) Trembling

11. Who is Bill Oliver?
(a) Biff's previous employer
(b) Biff's previous employee
(c) Willy's best friend
(d) Happy's merchandise manager

12. What reason does Willy give for refusing Charley's offer?
(a) He says the offer is not generous enough.
(b) He says he is too old to learn anything new.
(c) He is insulted.
(d) He stresses that he already has a job.

13. What reason does Biff give Linda for Willy throwing him out?
(a) Willy is uncomfortable around people who know he is a fake.
(b) Biff has not paid enough board to his parents.
(c) Willy does not like Biff bringing girls home.
(d) Willy finds out Biff had been gambling.

14. Making an inference from Linda's words, what do you think is Angelo's occupation?
(a) Car salesman
(b) Loan shark
(c) Attorney
(d) Motor mechanic

15. At what time does Happy give Linda some money?
(a) Christmas
(b) Her birthday
(c) Memorial Day
(d) Thanksgiving

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Biff need to do in order to avoid flunking Math?

2. What does Willy find ironic about people?

3. What does Willy tell Linda about his feelings for her?

4. What is it that Linda almost forgets to tell Willy?

5. Who does Linda refer to as "a philandering bum?"

(see the answer keys)

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