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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. To what "cowardly thing" does Ben refer?
(a) Divorce
(b) Suicide
(c) Scapegoating another person
(d) Bankruptcy

2. What makes Linda bewildered about Willy's suicide?
(a) He never said goodbye to her.
(b) He did not leave a note.
(c) He could have had the job Charley offered.
(d) They were just about free and clear financially.

3. What does Willy imagine his funeral will reveal about him?
(a) That people appreciated his jokes and humor.
(b) His popularity and the affection and respect in which he is held.
(c) That he died the death of a salesman.
(d) That his life had been successful.

4. What lie does Biff accuse Happy of telling?
(a) That he is an assistant buyer.
(b) That he is office manager.
(c) That he is getting married.
(d) That he is head of sales.

5. What does Happy fail to see in Biff's offer?
(a) He cannot see how it will find him planty of girlfriends.
(b) He cannot see how it will make him any quick money.
(c) He cannot see that it is an opportunity.
(d) He cannot see that he will have to work hard.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Linda think is best?

2. What is the reason Biff gives Willy for Birnbaum's dislike of him?

3. What is the name of the hotel where Willy is staying in Boston?

4. What is Charley's assessment of the funeral?

5. In his outburst, what does Biff call Willy?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is Death of a Salesman an uncompromising indictment of "The American Dream"?

2. In what way, according to Willy, does a man have to "add up to something" when he leaves this world?

3. In what way is Happy's betrayal of his father ironic?

4. How does Happy think Biff should handle telling Willy the bad news when he arrives at the restaurant?

5. Did Willy Loman die in vain?

6. What insight does Biff experience in the few moments he does get to see Bill Oliver?

7. What is wrong with Happy's assertion that "the only dream you can have [is] to come out number one man."?

8. Explain Happy's refusal to go with Biff and make a life for themselves in the country.

9. Account for Willy's anger towards Biff.

10. Has Willy any idea of what it is that has caused his estrangement from Biff?

(see the answer keys)

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