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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. How far back does Levene say he was pitching these same leads?

2. What have the salesmen been offered if they win the sales contest?

3. How does Leven promise to affect the dollar volumes if he gets the premium leads?

4. When does Moss plan to steal the leads?

5. From where does Levene say his current leads have been coming?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Roma's ideas concerning morality?

2. What reassurance does Roma give Aaronow about talking to the police?

3. What system does Williamson use for marshaling the leads?

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

5. How does the nature Roma and Lingk's conversation shift at the end of the scene?

6. How does Levene explain his current poor performance?

7. Describe the setting of the second act.

8. Describe Ricky Roma.

9. What does Roma think makes people afraid to act?

10. What new information does the audience find out about the contest in this scene?

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

Mamet's world is clearly a world of layered deception, and the web of lies created by the men that live there are perilously fragile. Write an essay about three of these deceptions. What is the objective of each? Why is a lie required to facilitate success, and how do the fragile constructs fall apart?

Part 1) Roma's Lingk sale

Part 2) Levene's big sale

Part 3) Moss's robbery

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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