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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. Why does Willy admire Dave Singleman?
(a) Even at the age of eighty-four, he is a successful salesman.
(b) He keeps his high sales figures until well into his nineties.
(c) He travels in the smoking car and has green velvet slippers.
(d) He brokers a sponsorship deal with the Yankees.

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

3. What is the core of Linda's appeal to her sons?
(a) Not to let Willy know that she has skipped several mortgage payments.
(b) That their father is in despair and needs their attention.
(c) That they must get medical attention for their father's depression.
(d) That their father needs money to alleviate his despair.

4. What does Linda think will happen in Biff's meeting with Bill Oliver?
(a) Biff will return the goods he stole a few years ago.
(b) Biff will ask Bill Oliver for a steady job.
(c) Biff will ask for thirty thousand dollars.
(d) Biff will ask for ten or fifteen thousand dollars.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Charley kid Willy about?

2. For what reason does Biff believe the Lomans are unsuccessful?

3. How does Willy refer to Howard?

4. What excuse does Charley give Willy for his visit?

5. How does Willy pay for Biff's radio correspondence course?

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. What does Biff suggest he and Happy do to change their lives?

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

4. Why has Willy unexpectedly returned from his journey?

5. Why does Willy say '"Im always in a race with the junkyard!"?

6. What is revealed about Willy during his hallucinatory return to the past?

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

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

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

10. What is Happy's attitude to the news that his father is contemplating suicide?

(see the answer keys)

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