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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. Why didn't Biff attend the university?

2. When was J.P. Morgan very well liked, according to Charley?

3. Why does Biff plan to visit Bill Oliver?

4. What does Willy's plan for cutting off the tree branch show us about him?

5. What is Willy Loman carrying as he enters the stage?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Willy say '"Im always in a race with the junkyard!"?

2. Explain the significance of Ben's words, "I have many enterprises, William, and I have never kept books."

3. What erratic behavior of Willy's indicates that he is disintegrating emotionally?

4. In the card game scene, what evidence of Willy's unused abilities is presented?

5. What does Biff suggest he and Happy do to change their lives?

6. How do the Lomans react to Bernard's news that Biff must study for his coming exams?

7. In what way is Linda realistic about life?

8. How does Biff respond to Happy's question about his plans for the future?

9. In what sense is Willy ironic when he comments that it is obscene for Biff not to have found himself by the age of thirty-four?

10. Comment on the "gay and bright" music that is heard at the beginning of Act 2.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"The ancient Greeks had a motto that said, 'Know yourself.' Death of a Salesman is a play about people who never understand themselves." To what extent do you agree with this statement? In your answer, refer both to major and minor characters in the play.

Essay Topic 2

"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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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