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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. When was J.P. Morgan very well liked, according to Charley?

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

3. Why does Willy become annoyed with Linda?

4. What jobs has Biff mostly had since leaving school?

5. At what point did Biff's attitude change, according to Bernard?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what sense is Willy ironic when he comments that it is obscene for Biff not to have found himself by the age of thirty-four?

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

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

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

5. In what way is Linda realistic about life?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is Willy Loman's philosophy of life? In what ways is this significant in his relationships and his fate?

Essay Topic 2

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

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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