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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. Where is the big match to be held?

2. What reason does Biff give Linda for Willy throwing him out?

3. Who is Willy's employer?

4. Why does Willy admire Dave Singleman?

5. What happens as Willy is driving on the highway?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Willy Loman's life is a complete waste, as is his death." Explain and discuss the significance of this comment, referring closely to the play.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Comment on the staging of the "internal scenes" in Death of a Salesman. How effective do you think these are? How important are they in the creation of drama? Are they necessary to understanding the characters? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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