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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. According to Charley, when was Willy a happy man?

2. What distance does Willy measure between the rows?

3. What makes Linda bewildered about Willy's suicide?

4. With what object does Biff confront Willy?

5. Biff speaking to whom when he says "'I know who I am, kid."

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of Happy's gift of flowers?

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

3. Did Willy Loman die in vain?

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

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

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

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

8. In what way is Willy's life echoed in Biff's account of his attempt to see Bill Oliver?

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

10. What is Willy's final fantasy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"The ancient Greeks had a motto that said, 'Know yourself.' Death of a Salesman is a play about people who never understand themselves." To what extent do you agree with this statement? In your answer, refer both to major and minor characters in the play.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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