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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 Charley's response when Linda asks him to go on ahead?

2. With what object does Biff confront Willy?

3. What is the woman wearing?

4. Where does the Woman retreat to in the Boston hotel?

5. What is it that "comes with the territory?"

Short Essay Questions

1. Did Willy Loman die in vain?

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

3. Is Charley's summation of Willy and his life as a salesman an accurate one?

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

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

6. What is Willy's final fantasy?

7. How is the fact of Willy's severe disintegration communicated to the audience?

8. Explain Happy's refusal to go with Biff and make a life for themselves in the country.

9. Is Death of a Salesman an uncompromising indictment of "The American Dream"?

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

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

What function does Linda's character fulfill in the drama of Death of a Salesman? Is she the strongest character in the play? Back up your answer with at least three examples from the play, and explain why they are relevant.

Essay Topic 3

"Linda: 'It sounds so old-fashioned and silly, but I tell you he put his whole life into you and you've turned your backs on him.'"

Account for Biff's and Happy's treatment of their father, making close reference to the text.

(see the answer keys)

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