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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 does Stanley tell off the other waiter?

2. What does Linda try to prevent Biff from doing?

3. In his outburst, what does Biff call Willy?

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

5. Biff wants Willy to ____________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Is Biff correct in saying of Willy that "He never knew who he was."?

2. Did Willy Loman die in vain?

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

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

5. Which personal qualities does Happy reveal when Miss Forsythe enters the restaurant and he talks to her?

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

7. Is Charley's summation of Willy and his life as a salesman an accurate one?

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

9. In what way is Happy's betrayal of his father ironic?

10. What is one function of the figure of Ben in his last manifestation inside Willy's head?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Linda: 'It sounds so old-fashioned and silly, but I tell you he put his whole life into you and you've turned your backs on him.'"

Account for Biff's and Happy's treatment of their father, making close reference to the text.

Essay Topic 2

"Like tragic heroes, Willy Loman's fatal flaw is pride, but he is not a tragic hero." Do you agree? Explain your answer. If Willy is in fact a tragic hero, what makes him heroic? If he is not, explain why he is a protagonist at best, and should not be looked up to as a hero.

Essay Topic 3

"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.

(see the answer keys)

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