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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 promise does Willy believe Howard made to him during the Christmas party?

2. Where does Willy get the money he says is his pay?

3. What is the outcome of Willy's visit to Howard?

4. Where was Ben living when he died?

5. Who does Happy say is his ideal girl?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What is the significance of the way the Loman house is presented when the play begins?

7. What is it that prevents Willy from accepting the offer of a job from Charley?

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

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

10. Why has Willy unexpectedly returned from his journey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Death of a Salesman shows us that there is no hope for the 'low man.'"Do you agree? Refer closely to the play. What does this play say about the American Dream?

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

"Linda: 'It sounds so old-fashioned and silly, but I tell you he put his whole life into you and you've turned your backs on him.'"

Account for Biff's and Happy's treatment of their father, making close reference to the text.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,109 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample