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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 valuable observation does Biff make about his father's legacy?

2. What does Charley say is an "earthquake" for a salesman?

3. Why is Linda so furious with her sons?

4. What is the guaranteed proposition Willy refers to as he "speaks" to Ben?

5. How was Biff formerly employed at Bill Oliver's company?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why did Willy never find true happiness?

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

6. Is Biff correct in saying of Willy that "He never knew who he was."?

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

8. Why does Charlie reply with just a grunt to Happy's angry attitude to his father's suicide and claim that "We would've helped him."?

9. Which personal qualities does Happy reveal when Miss Forsythe enters the restaurant and he talks to her?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"It comes with the territory" has passed into the language. What does this phrase mean and why is it so crucial to our understanding of Death of a Salesman?

Essay Topic 2

"Willy Loman's life is a complete waste, as is his death." Explain and discuss the significance of this comment, referring closely to the play.

Essay Topic 3

"BIFF: 'He had the wrong dreams. All, all wrong.'"

"CHARLEY: 'Nobody dost blame this man.'"

Do you agree with Charley? If Willy cannot be blamed for his tragedy, where does the blame (if any) lie?

(see the answer keys)

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