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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 ultimatum does Linda serve to her sons?
(a) Either help out financially or stay away.
(b) Either pay respect to their father or do not visit.
(c) Either they clean up their rooms or they will not be welcome again.
(d) Pay respect to their father or she will not talk to them.

2. What is wrong with Biff whistling in the elevator?
(a) It indicates he is over confident.
(b) It annoys other people in the lift.
(c) It indicates he is irresponsible and childish.
(d) It is tuneless.

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

4. Why does Biff plan to visit Bill Oliver?
(a) To give him a job
(b) To pay back some money lent in the past
(c) To ask him for a job
(d) To ask him for money

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 could have been a tree surgeon.
(c) That he has practical common sense and is suited to outdoor work.
(d) That he wants to steal lumber.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Willy need to borrow money from Charley?

2. What is Happy's reaction to the news that his father has been attempting suicide?

3. When was J.P. Morgan very well liked, according to Charley?

4. What great misconception does Willy express to Ben?

5. According to Willy, what has left him unsettled and "temporary?"

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Comment on the "gay and bright" music that is heard at the beginning of Act 2.

3. What is revealed about teenage Biff's popularity with girls?

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

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

6. What is the importance of Howard Wagner's new wire recorder?

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

8. In what way is Linda realistic about life?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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