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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 advice does Willy remember Ben giving him?

2. ___________ says "And, by God, I was rich."

3. Why didn't Biff attend the university?

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

5. What important admission does Willy make to Charley?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. In what way is Linda realistic about life?

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

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

7. What is revealed about Willy during his hallucinatory return to the past?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"The commercial world inhabited by Willy Loman is very different from that which operates in the twenty-first century. Willy's tragedy would be impossible today." Referring to the text and to your knowledge of today's world, either agree with or refute this statement.

Essay Topic 2

"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 3

"Willy Loman's tragedy is that he is the outsider who yearns to be an insider." Account for Willy's ultimate lack of success as a salesman.

(see the answer keys)

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