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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 has Aaronow heard about the list of names that Jerry Graff bought?

2. Who does Aaronow claim to be concerned about as he and Moss complain about the sales contest?

3. For what purpose does Williamson say he was hired by the company?

4. Who does Williamson claim has been consistently number 2 on the sales board?

5. What used to be the "prize" in a sales contest, according to Levene?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Williamson figure out that Levene robbed the office?

2. What competitive sales situation has Williamson created in the office?

3. How does Roma introduce real estate to the conversation?

4. What happened to the last deal Levene closed?

5. Describe Levene's big sale story.

6. Explain the distinction between "speaking" and "talking" in this scene.

7. How does Levene explain his current poor performance?

8. How does Roma claim that he deals with the uncertainties of life?

9. What caveat does Levene try to add to his arrangement with Williamson, and how does Williamson respond?

10. What big news does Levene have when he enters in Act 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea of authority is ambiguous in Mamet's play. On the one hand, even a small amount of power affects many people in this small, claustrophobic world. On the other hand, being in a position of authority draws open ire and isolation. Write an essay on the subject of power, in two parts:

Part 1) Williamson and Baylen are arguably the most powerful characters in the play. From where does this power derive, and how does each use it? What price do these men pay for the authority they have over other men.

Part 2) The essential conduits of absolute power in the play are the unseen Mitch and Murray. Examine the nature of this power. In what ways do the salesmen alternately regard them as fathers and tyrants?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about the character of George Aaronow. How does he fit into the framework of the real estate office? What is the first impression that the audience has of this character? Does he betray anyone in the play, and does this make him a better person? Does that fact that he has not been fired or arrested by the end of the play signify a sort of ironic justice?

Essay Topic 3

Mamet's play essentially pits men against each other who are being constantly compared by forces far above them. Write an essay about this inherent comparison of talent and success:

Part 1) Levene speaks at length about his past glory. How does his fabled past compare with his present? How does his outlook on life change along with his fortunes over the course of the play?

Part 2) How does Dave Moss respond to being pitted against his fellow salesmen? How does his final argument with Roma reflect a deep insecurity regarding his own abilities.

Part 3) To what extent is Aaronow defeated by the system? Cite his interactions with Moss and Roma to determine what his chances of survival are. Is he the type of product intended by this competition?

(see the answer keys)

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