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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. What great misconception does Willy express to Ben?
(a) That people will always keep their word.
(b) That all you need to offer is loyalty and the rest will follow.
(c) That a man can end up rich just by being liked.
(d) That all anyone needs is a case of samples.

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(d) It will soon be outdated and he regrets buying it.

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

4. When was J.P. Morgan very well liked, according to Charley?
(a) When he had his pockets on.
(b) When he was in the turkish bath.
(c) When he visited the butcher.
(d) When he built a railroad.

5. What does Willy say about Biff's knowledge of sporting goods?
(a) That he knows a good deal about the way basketballs are packed in cartons.
(b) That he knows sporting goods better than Spalding.
(c) That he has tried every brand, but Spalding is best.
(d) That he knows sporting goods better than Adidas.

Short Answer Questions

1. What sound is heard before the curtain rises?

2. According to Linda, in what way does Willy compare with many other people?

3. What worrying news does Bernard bring?

4. How long has it taken the Lomans to pay off their house?

5. What does Willy's plan for cutting off the tree branch show us about him?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the first few minutes of the play, what indications are there that Willy has an affinity with the artistic and creative?

2. In what way does the commercial world intrude into the wire recorder demonstration?

3. In what sense is Willy ironic when he comments that it is obscene for Biff not to have found himself by the age of thirty-four?

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

5. In what way is Linda realistic about life?

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

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

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

9. Explain the significance of Ben's words, "I have many enterprises, William, and I have never kept books."

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

(see the answer keys)

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