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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 is Happy's version of the great dream?

2. What privilege does the Woman promise Willy?

3. From where did Biff leave to travel to Boston to find his father?

4. How many home improvements does Linda mention Willy has undertaken?

5. What deal does Biff claim is discussed with Bill Oliver and his partner?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Willy never find true happiness?

2. How does Biff feel about lying to his father about the Bill Oliver interview?

3. What cautions does Ben advise concerning Willy's plan to commit suicide?

4. According to Biff, what is at the core of Willy's (and his own) problems?

5. In what way is Happy's betrayal of his father ironic?

6. Why does Linda want to prevent the boys speaking to their father?

7. What is one function of the figure of Ben in his last manifestation inside Willy's head?

8. What is the effect of Willy's words, "The gist of it is that I haven't got a story left in my head."?

9. How is it again made evident that Willy Loman "had the wrong dreams"?

10. What is wrong with Happy's assertion that "the only dream you can have [is] to come out number one man."?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the nature and importance of friendship, making close reference to relationships in Death of a Salesman. Make sure to analyze the relationships between Willy and his sons, the sons and each other, and Willy and Linda.

Essay Topic 2

Describe and comment upon Miller's use of symbolism (aural, visual and in spoken language) in Death of a Salesman. How does this symbolism emphasize the main ideas in the play? Describe at least three major pieces of symbolism and go into detail as to their meanings and purposes in the play to convey ideas.

Essay Topic 3

"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.

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