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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Willy tell Linda about his feelings for her?

2. Why does Willy call Charley "disgusting?"

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

4. Where does Willy believe his company most needs him?

5. How does Willy refer to Howard?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why has Willy unexpectedly returned from his journey?

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

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

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

5. In what way is Linda realistic about life?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Death of a Salesman is a savage indictment of commercial values." Discuss with close reference to the play.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the nature and importance of friendship, making close reference to relationships in Death of a Salesman. Make sure to analyze the relationships between Willy and his sons, the sons and each other, and Willy and Linda.

Essay Topic 3

"Death of a Salesman offers a pessimistic view of the citizen's place in the social world.'" Do you agree? Regardless of how you answer regarding Willy, what of his sons? Describe the likely futures of Biff and Happy.

(see the answer keys)

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