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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. Who is Willy's employer?

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

3. What worrying news does Bernard bring?

4. What is the core of Linda's appeal to her sons?

5. What offer of Charley's does Willy refuse?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Comment on the "gay and bright" music that is heard at the beginning of Act 2.

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

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

Essay Topic 3

"As a salesman, Willy Loman was like a low-ranking priest in the religion of commerce, with all its fake values and promises." Discuss with close reference to Death of a Salesman.

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