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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 is it that Happy says he has always wanted?
(a) To become the merchandise manager and have his own apartment
(b) To have his own apartment, a car and plenty of women
(c) To be like his father
(d) To build a house on Long Island near his friend the merchandise manager

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

3. What is Happy's reaction to the news that his father has been attempting suicide?
(a) He says this is terrible and he must do something.
(b) He is angry with Linda for not telling them sooner.
(c) He says Willy is a "poor fool."
(d) He says Willy is a "damned fool."

4. What difference would it have made to his life if Willy had formed his own business?
(a) He would have been able to travel in luxury.
(b) He would have built a house on Long Island.
(c) He would have been able to work from home.
(d) He would not have to leave home any more.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What jobs has Biff mostly had since leaving school?

2. Why does Willy call Charley "disgusting?"

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

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

5. What is wrong with Biff whistling in the elevator?

Short Essay Questions

1. What erratic behavior of Willy's indicates that he is disintegrating emotionally?

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

3. As this scene (inside Willy's head) continues, what false idea does Willy peddle to his sons?

4. What is Linda's attitude to Willy's return?

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

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

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

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

9. What important idea in the play is referenced by Linda's words, 'He could be--anything--in that suit!"?

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

(see the answer keys)

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