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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 are the types of seeds Willy is planting?

2. How does Willy explain the Woman's presence to Biff?

3. What University had Biff aspired to attend?

4. How does Happy explain Biff's behavior in leaving the restaurant?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Did Willy Loman die in vain?

3. Why did Willy never find true happiness?

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

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

6. How does Happy think Biff should handle telling Willy the bad news when he arrives at the restaurant?

7. 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."?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the significance of irony in Death of a Salesman. Are the characters aware of the ironies in the story? How does it affect their behaviors?

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,133 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample