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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 statement of Ben's summarizes his business ethics?

2. What does Willy say about Biff's knowledge of sporting goods?

3. What is a synonym for 'trepidation'?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How do the Lomans react to Bernard's news that Biff must study for his coming exams?

4. In what way is the contrast between Willy's dreams and reality expressed in his conversation with Linda?

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

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

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

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

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

10. In what way is Linda realistic about life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"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.

Essay Topic 2

"Death of a Salesman shows us, in a moving way, how disastrous it is if people lack the ability or to accept change in themselves and in the social and economic world." Discuss this statement, making close reference to the play.

Essay Topic 3

"Willy Loman's problem is not that he had the wrong dream, but that the dream was not large enough." To what extent do you agree with this statement?

(see the answer keys)

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