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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 is the reason Biff gives Willy for Birnbaum's dislike of him?

2. What does Biff again offer to Happy?

3. What is the guaranteed proposition Willy refers to as he "speaks" to Ben?

4. What makes Linda bewildered about Willy's suicide?

5. Biff wants Willy to ____________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Linda want to prevent the boys speaking to their father?

2. What is the effect of Willy's words, "The gist of it is that I haven't got a story left in my head."?

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

4. Account for Willy's anger towards Biff.

5. How is it again made evident that Willy Loman "had the wrong dreams"?

6. How is the fact of Willy's severe disintegration communicated to the audience?

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

8. Has Willy any idea of what it is that has caused his estrangement from Biff?

9. According to Biff, what is at the core of Willy's (and his own) problems?

10. What insight does Biff experience in the few moments he does get to see Bill Oliver?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Willy Loman's life is a complete waste, as is his death." Explain and discuss the significance of this comment, referring closely to the play.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the nature and importance of friendship, making close reference to relationships in Death of a Salesman. Make sure to analyze the relationships between Willy and his sons, the sons and each other, and Willy and Linda.

Essay Topic 3

"Death of a Salesman is a savage indictment of commercial values." Discuss with close reference to the play.

(see the answer keys)

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