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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 brings flowers for Linda?

2. Which character "never knew who he was?"

3. What sound can be heard behind Linda's last speech?

4. What is the appearance of Bill Oliver's fountain pen?

5. What does Biff say about himself?

Short Essay Questions

1. Has Willy any idea of what it is that has caused his estrangement from Biff?

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

3. Account for Linda's bewilderment at Willy's suicide.

4. How is it that Biff has come to regard his father as a hypocrite?

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

6. What information about his meeting with Bill Oliver does Biff supply to Willy?

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

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

9. What is Willy's reaction to Biff's attempt to tell the day's events truthfully?

10. Why did Willy never find true happiness?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 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.

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This section contains 997 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample