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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. Who is referred to as having "more guts than a slaughter house?"

2. In Scene 2, what does Joe find when he arrives home from work at the end of the day?

3. What does Edna fear will happen to the kids' bodies if they don't eat better?

4. Who helps Joe overcome his fear of fighting for a living wage and make up his mind?

5. What two unions have failed at past strikes?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some reasons Joe doesn't want to strike?

2. How has Sid's economic situation affected his self-esteem?

3. Why is Benjamin coming to see Dr. Barnes?

4. Is Florence right to put the family ahead of what she wants? Why or why not?

5. What language does Clayton use that is reminiscent of Fatt's earlier speech?

6. At what point does Miller change his mind about the new assignment?

7. Why doesn't Edna want Joe to yell?

8. Why is the Voice's evidence that Clayton is a spy more credible than Clayton's denials?

9. What are some of Joe's explanations for not making enough money to support his family?

10. What does Benjamin decide to do after being fired, and what had he been thinking about doing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the heart of the U.S. economy is a capitalist system which guarantees and rewards individuals and companies for the profits they make from business transactions. How well does this system work in the play? Should one aspire to wealth at any cost? Does a capitalist system necessarily require equal or fair treatment of workers? What checks and balances should exist to assure fair treatment if deemed necessary? What do capitalists like Fatt and his bosses win and lose in the 1930s.

Essay Topic 2

Color or the suggestion of color is used metaphorically throughout Scene 1. Name the colors and metaphors, and discuss the advantages of using color to discuss the situation occurring in the Scene. Are there particular emotions, beliefs, or rituals associated with the colors beyond the meanings implied by the metaphors?

Essay Topic 3

Joe and Edna, and Sid and Florence experience emotional and social side effects from the economic situation the workers are facing in the play. How do these side effects manifest in their personal relationships?

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