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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 does Linda react to Charley's words at the beginning of the scene?

2. Why won't Willy shake hands with Biff?

3. What is Charley's assessment of the funeral?

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

5. How does Biff respond to Linda's accusations?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Charlie reply with just a grunt to Happy's angry attitude to his father's suicide and claim that "We would've helped him."?

3. How does Biff feel about lying to his father about the Bill Oliver interview?

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

5. What is wrong with Happy's assertion that "the only dream you can have [is] to come out number one man."?

6. Did Willy Loman die in vain?

7. Why did Willy never find true happiness?

8. Account for Willy's anger towards Biff.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"As a salesman, Willy Loman was like a low-ranking priest in the religion of commerce, with all its fake values and promises." Discuss with close reference to Death of a Salesman.

Essay Topic 2

"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 3

What function does Linda's character fulfill in the drama of Death of a Salesman? Is she the strongest character in the play? Back up your answer with at least three examples from the play, and explain why they are relevant.

(see the answer keys)

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