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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Linda says "You notice?", what is she referring to?
(a) The new night dress she is wearing
(b) The smell of shaving lotion pervading the house
(c) That she has dyed her hair
(d) The aroma of the Irish stew she made for dinner

2. How has Willy's salary rate changed?
(a) He is to be paid according to a strict time sheet.
(b) He is now on commission only like a beginner.
(c) His rate of commission has been reduced.
(d) He is no longer paid overtime.

3. Where does Willy get the money he says is his pay?
(a) From Bill Oliver
(b) From Howard Wagner
(c) From Charley
(d) From Uncle Ben

4. What happens as Willy is driving on the highway?
(a) The car breaks down.
(b) A woman yells at him.
(c) He runs off the road.
(d) He allows the car to veer over the white line.

5. What important admission does Willy make to Charley?
(a) That Happy is about to be married.
(b) That he has stolen Howard's fountain pen.
(c) That Charley is the only friend he has.
(d) That Biff discovered a secret in Boston.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. In what way does Willy contradict himself in this opening scene?

3. What is the outcome of Willy's visit to Howard?

4. To what does Bernard attribute Biff's lack of success after the age of seventeen?

5. Why does Willy call Charley "disgusting?"

Short Essay Questions

1. In what picturesque way does Linda reinforce for Biff that his father needs support and nurturing?

2. What does this conversation with Biff reveal about Happy's character?

3. In the card game scene, what evidence of Willy's unused abilities is presented?

4. How does Biff respond to Happy's question about his plans for the future?

5. Comment on Willy's "Dave Singleman" speech.

6. What reassuring news does Linda give Biff when he phones her?

7. What is Willy's mood when he leaves for his interview with Howard Wagner?

8. Comment about Willy's assertion that "I never in my life told him anything but decent things."

9. What is the significance of the way the Loman house is presented when the play begins?

10. What does the audience learn about Linda from her great confrontation with her sons in Act 1?

(see the answer keys)

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