Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

Transcription

1 Test Preparation Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller Your Complete Test Preparation Guide (For Grades 7-12) Multiple Choice Questions, Short Essay & Essay Questions, Mid-Book & Final Test Multiple Choice Questions The Multiple Choice Questions in this Test Preparation Guide will test a student's understanding of Death of a Salesman. The questions are broken out into sections, so they focus on specific chapters within Death of a Salesman. This allows you to test and review the book as you proceed through the unit. Short Essay Questions The Short Essay Questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of Death of a Salesman by describing what they have read, rather than just recalling it. The short essay questions evaluate not only whether students have read the material, but also how well they understand and can apply it. They require more thought than a multiple choice question, but are shorter than the essay questions. Essay Questions Students should have a full understanding of the unit material in order to answer these questions. They often include multiple parts of the work and ask for a thorough analysis of the overall text. These essays are designed to challenge a student's understanding of the broad points in a work, interactions among the characters, and main points and themes of the text. Mid-Book Test (Easy, Medium and Hard) Final Test (Easy, Medium and Hard) Answer Keys 2011 BookRags, Inc.

2 Multiple Choice 1. What sound is heard before the curtain rises? (a) Bagpipes playing a highland lament (b) Stage hands moving sets about (c) A melody played on a flute. (d) Fiddle music reminiscent of the countryside 2. What surrounds the Salesman's house? (a) A wide stoop (b) Countryside (c) Tall apartment buildings (d) Office buildings 3. What is Willy Loman carrying as he enters the stage? (a) A very large sample bag (b) An attache case and a large sample case (c) Two large sample cases (d) Take-out meals 4. What is a synonym for 'trepidation'? (a) Timidity (b) Anger (c) Disquiet (d) Trembling 5. Making an inference from Linda's words, what do you think is Angelo's occupation? (a) Attorney (b) Car salesman (c) Loan shark (d) Motor mechanic 6. What make of car does Willy currently drive? (a) Citroen (b) Chevrolet (c) Morris Minor (d) Studebaker 1

3 7. What happens as Willy is driving on the highway? (a) He runs off the road. (b) A woman yells at him. (c) He allows the car to veer over the white line. (d) The car breaks down. 8. Where does Willy believe his company most needs him? (a) In New York (b) In New England (c) In Florida (d) In Yonkers 9. Who is Willy's employer? (a) Wolf Biederman (b) Howard Wagner (c) Howard Macy (d) Brown and Morrison 10. When Linda says "You notice?", what is she referring to? (a) The aroma of the Irish stew she made for dinner (b) That she has dyed her hair (c) The smell of shaving lotion pervading the house (d) The new night dress she is wearing 11. What suggests to us that Biff has returned from a journey? (a) Biff's suitcase is in the hall. (b) Linda tells Willy she met the train. (c) A partially unpacked suitcase is on Biff's bed. (d) Linda mentions that Biff has "just got off [a] train." 12. What does Willy feel is a disgrace? (a) Not finding yourself by the age of thirty-four (b) Not being married by the age of thirty-four (c) Making less than thirty-five dollars per week (d) Living on a farm 13. In what way does Willy contradict himself in this opening scene? (a) He first says that Biff is not lazy, then calls him "a lazy bum." (b) He boasts about his sales, then says he's a hopeless salesman. (c) Willy first describes Biff as "a lazy bum," then a few seconds later says "Biff--he's not lazy." (d) He first asks Linda for a sandwich, then says he'll just drink some milk. 2

4 14. What sort of cheese does Willy prefer? (a) Edam (b) American (c) Swiss (d) Brie 15. For what reason does Willy think the builder should have been arrested? (a) For harassment and fraud (b) For cutting down two beautiful elm trees (c) For building the bad-taste apartments (d) For preventing Willy from growing carrots in his backyard 16. What does Willy tell Linda about his feelings for her? (a) He says he loves her. (b) He says she is wonderful and that he does not deserve her. (c) He says she is his support and his lover. (d) He says she is his foundation and support. 17. What change has Happy noticed in Biff? (a) Biff has put on weight and seems confused. (b) Biff has lost his old humor and confidence. (c) Biff has become withdrawn and sad. (d) Biff has lost his sense of humor and has become bad-tempered. 18. What, in Willy's behavior, embarrasses Happy? (a) Willy has been singing in the lift. (b) Willy has been mocking Biff. (c) Willy has been talking to himself. (d) Willy does not know the way to Florida. 19. What jobs has Biff mostly had since leaving school? (a) Businessman and sales clerk (b) Salesman and cattle herder (c) Shipping clerk and horse-breeder (d) Shipping clerk and salesman 20. What is it that Happy says he has always wanted? (a) To build a house on Long Island near his friend the merchandise manager (b) To have his own apartment, a car and plenty of women (c) To become the merchandise manager and have his own apartment (d) To be like his father 3

5 21. What does Biff say would make him happy? (a) His brother working with him out in the country (b) To have his own apartment and a steady girlfriend (c) His father retiring (d) His brother marrying and settling down 22. Who does Happy say is his ideal girl? (a) Someone with financial experience (b) Someone who is a good cook and a good typist (c) Anyone he can look up to and who will help him get along (d) Someone like his mother 23. Who is Bill Oliver? (a) Biff's previous employee (b) Happy's merchandise manager (c) Willy's best friend (d) Biff's previous employer 24. Why does Biff plan to visit Bill Oliver? (a) To pay back some money lent in the past (b) To give him a job (c) To ask him for money (d) To ask him for a job 25. What does Willy's plan for cutting off the tree branch show us about him? (a) That he is not interested in preserving the environment. (b) That he has practical common sense and is suited to outdoor work. (c) That he could have been a tree surgeon. (d) That he wants to steal lumber. 26. What difference would it have made to his life if Willy had formed his own business? (a) He would have been able to travel in luxury. (b) He would have been able to work from home. (c) He would not have to leave home any more. (d) He would have built a house on Long Island. 27. What worrying news does Bernard bring? (a) He has heard Mr Birnbaum threatening to flunk Biff in Math. (b) He has heard that Mr Birnbaum is leaving the school. (c) Biff has failed Math. (d) He has heard that someone else has won the sports scholarship. 4

6 160. What does Linda ask Willy to forgive? (a) That she kept darning her silk stockings (b) Her inability to cry (c) That she was not also in the car when it crashed (d) Her inability to cope 161. How do we know the scene takes place at the close of the day? (a) The stage directions indicate this. (b) Charley says: 'It's getting Dark, Linda." (c) Linda says: "Oh, it's getting dark." (d) The moon can be seen coming up How does Linda react to Charley's words at the beginning of the scene? (a) She does not react. (b) She shoves him angrily. (c) She thanks him. (d) She cries What does Biff think Linda needs? (a) Some money (b) Some new silk stockings (c) Some rest (d) Some flowers 164. What is Charley's assessment of the funeral? (a) It was too cheap. (b) It was moving. (c) It was very nice. (d) It should not have happened yet According to Linda, what extra expense had Willy also paid? (a) The doctor (b) The mechanic (c) The dentist (d) The insurance company 166. How many home improvements does Linda mention Willy has undertaken? (a) Two (b) Ten (c) Six (d) Five 24

7 167. According to Charley, when was Willy a happy man? (a) When he was on the road, traveling "with a smile and a shoeshine." (b) When he was working "with a batch of cement." (c) When he was working "with his customers." (d) When he was at home, eating American cheese To whose comment about Willy does Happy object? (a) Charley's (b) Linda's (c) Biff's (d) Bernard's 169. What was the problem with Willy's dreams? (a) They went too far. (b) They were nghtmarish. (c) They were wrong. (d) They did not go far enough Which character "never knew who he was?" (a) Howard (b) Willy (c) Biff (d) Bernard 171. What is it that "comes with the territory?" (a) Dreaming (b) A shoeshine (c) Mileage allowance (d) Advertising 172. What does Biff again offer to Happy? (a) A free dinner at Frank's Chop House (b) A future with him in the country (c) To split the insurance money (d) A partnership in a sporting goods retail enterprize 173. What does Happy fail to see in Biff's offer? (a) He cannot see how it will make him any quick money. (b) He cannot see that he will have to work hard. (c) He cannot see how it will find him planty of girlfriends. (d) He cannot see that it is an opportunity. 25

8 174. What does Happy want to show everyone? (a) That he can get married soon. (b) That Willy Loman had hidden some money behind the heater. (c) That Willy Loman did not die in vain. (d) That he, Happy, has the stuff of greatness in him What does Charley say a salesman is not? (a) An artist or intellectual (b) Deserving of a large funeral (c) A mechanic, a lawyer or a doctor (d) Honest 176. What does Charley say causes an earthquake? (a) Someone having an affair. (b) A young man flunking Math. (c) The San Andreas Fault (d) When people start to not smile back Biff reveals when he says, "I know who I am, kid." (a) that he has a bad habit of talking down to other people (b) that he has matured, experienced an insight (c) hat he has just recovered from amnesia (d) that he has an agreeable personality 178. Biff speaking to whom when he says "'I know who I am, kid." (a) Bernard (b) Linda (c) Happy (d) Charley 179. What is Charley's response when Linda asks him to go on ahead? (a) He looks around thoughtfully. (b) He refuses and stands close to her. (c) He takes off at a jog. (d) He hesitates What sound can be heard behind Linda's last speech? (a) Verdi's Requiem (b) Mozart's Requiem (c) A flute (d) A harmonica. 26

9 Multiple Choice Key 1. C 2. C 3. C 4. C 5. D 6. D 7. A 8. B 9. B 10. C 11. D 12. A 13. C 14. C 15. B 16. D 17. B 18. C 19. D 20. B 41. D 42. B 43. C 44. C 45. A 46. C 47. C 48. B 49. D 50. B 51. C 52. D 53. A 54. A 55. B 56. C 57. C 58. C 59. C 60. D 81. B 82. C 83. D 84. A 85. B 86. A 87. C 88. B 89. C 90. D 91. C 92. C 93. B 94. C 95. C 96. D 97. A 98. B 99. D 100. B 121. C 122. A 123. B 124. C 125. A 126. D 127. B 128. A 129. C 130. D 131. A 132. B 133. B 134. B 135. A 136. D 137. A 138. B 139. A 140. B 161. B 162. A 163. C 164. C 165. C 166. D 167. B 168. C 169. C 170. B 171. A 172. B 173. D 174. C 175. C 176. D 177. B 178. C 179. D 180. C 21. A 22. D 23. D 24. C 25. B 26. C 27. A 28. B 29. D 30. D 31. B 32. C 33. A 34. A 35. D 36. A 37. C 38. B 39. C 40. A 61. B 62. D 63. B 64. A 65. D 66. A 67. A 68. A 69. B 70. C 71. A 72. D 73. B 74. B 75. C 76. B 77. D 78. B 79. D 80. B 101. B 102. A 103. D 104. A 105. B 106. B 107. B 108. C 109. C 110. C 111. B 112. A 113. C 114. A 115. B 116. B 117. A 118. D 119. A 120. B 141. B 142. A 143. B 144. D 145. D 146. C 147. B 148. A 149. D 150. D 151. A 152. A 153. C 154. A 155. A 156. C 157. A 158. A 159. A 160. B 27

10 Short Answer Questions 1. What sound is heard before the curtain rises? 2. What surrounds the Salesman's house? 3. What is Willy Loman carrying as he enters the stage? 4. What is a synonym for 'trepidation'? 5. Making an inference from Linda's words, what do you think is Angelo's occupation? 6. What make of car does Willy currently drive? 7. What happens as Willy is driving on the highway? 28

11 8. Where does Willy believe his company most needs him? 9. Who is Willy's employer? 10. When Linda says "You notice?", what is she referring to? 11. What suggests to us that Biff has returned from a journey? 12. What does Willy feel is a disgrace? 13. In what way does Willy contradict himself in this opening scene? 14. What sort of cheese does Willy prefer? 29

12 15. For what reason does Willy think the builder should have been arrested? 16. What does Willy tell Linda about his feelings for her? 17. What change has Happy noticed in Biff? 18. What, in Willy's behavior, embarrasses Happy? 19. What jobs has Biff mostly had since leaving school? 20. What is it that Happy says he has always wanted? 21. What does Biff say would make him happy? 30

13 162. How does Linda react to Charley's words at the beginning of the scene? 163. What does Biff think Linda needs? 164. What is Charley's assessment of the funeral? 165. According to Linda, what extra expense had Willy also paid? 166. How many home improvements does Linda mention Willy has undertaken? 167. According to Charley, when was Willy a happy man? 168. To whose comment about Willy does Happy object? 51

14 169. What was the problem with Willy's dreams? 170. Which character "never knew who he was?" 171. What is it that "comes with the territory?" 172. What does Biff again offer to Happy? 173. What does Happy fail to see in Biff's offer? 174. What does Happy want to show everyone? 175. What does Charley say a salesman is not? 52

15 176. What does Charley say causes an earthquake? 177. Biff reveals when he says, "I know who I am, kid." 178. Biff speaking to whom when he says "'I know who I am, kid." 179. What is Charley's response when Linda asks him to go on ahead? 180. What sound can be heard behind Linda's last speech? 53

16 Short Answer Questions Key 1. What sound is heard before the curtain rises? A melody played on a flute. 2. What surrounds the Salesman's house? Tall apartment buildings 3. What is Willy Loman carrying as he enters the stage? Two large sample cases 4. What is a synonym for 'trepidation'? Disquiet 5. Making an inference from Linda's words, what do you think is Angelo's occupation? Motor mechanic 6. What make of car does Willy currently drive? Studebaker 7. What happens as Willy is driving on the highway? He runs off the road. 54

17 8. Where does Willy believe his company most needs him? In New England 9. Who is Willy's employer? Howard Wagner 10. When Linda says "You notice?", what is she referring to? The smell of shaving lotion pervading the house 11. What suggests to us that Biff has returned from a journey? Linda mentions that Biff has "just got off [a] train." 12. What does Willy feel is a disgrace? Not finding yourself by the age of thirty-four 13. In what way does Willy contradict himself in this opening scene? Willy first describes Biff as "a lazy bum," then a few seconds later says "Biff--he's not lazy." 14. What sort of cheese does Willy prefer? Swiss 55

18 15. For what reason does Willy think the builder should have been arrested? For cutting down two beautiful elm trees 16. What does Willy tell Linda about his feelings for her? He says she is his foundation and support. 17. What change has Happy noticed in Biff? Biff has lost his old humor and confidence. 18. What, in Willy's behavior, embarrasses Happy? Willy has been talking to himself. 19. What jobs has Biff mostly had since leaving school? Shipping clerk and salesman 20. What is it that Happy says he has always wanted? To have his own apartment, a car and plenty of women 21. What does Biff say would make him happy? His brother working with him out in the country 56

19 162. How does Linda react to Charley's words at the beginning of the scene? She does not react What does Biff think Linda needs? Some rest 164. What is Charley's assessment of the funeral? It was very nice According to Linda, what extra expense had Willy also paid? The dentist 166. How many home improvements does Linda mention Willy has undertaken? Five 167. According to Charley, when was Willy a happy man? When he was working "with a batch of cement." 168. To whose comment about Willy does Happy object? Biff's 77

20 169. What was the problem with Willy's dreams? They were wrong Which character "never knew who he was?" Willy 171. What is it that "comes with the territory?" Dreaming 172. What does Biff again offer to Happy? A future with him in the country 173. What does Happy fail to see in Biff's offer? He cannot see that it is an opportunity What does Happy want to show everyone? That Willy Loman did not die in vain What does Charley say a salesman is not? A mechanic, a lawyer or a doctor 78

21 176. What does Charley say causes an earthquake? When people start to not smile back Biff reveals when he says, "I know who I am, kid." that he has matured, experienced an insight 178. Biff speaking to whom when he says "'I know who I am, kid." Happy 179. What is Charley's response when Linda asks him to go on ahead? He hesitates What sound can be heard behind Linda's last speech? A flute 79

22 Short Essay Questions 1. What is the significance of the way the Loman house is presented when the play begins? 2. Why has Willy unexpectedly returned from his journey? 3. What is Linda's attitude to Willy's return? 4. In the first few minutes of the play, what indications are there that Willy has an affinity with the artistic and creative? 5. In what way is Linda realistic about life? 6. 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? 80

23 7. What erratic behavior of Willy's indicates that he is disintegrating emotionally? 8. How does Biff respond to Happy's question about his plans for the future? 9. What does Biff suggest he and Happy do to change their lives? 10. What does this conversation with Biff reveal about Happy's character? 11. What is revealed about Willy during his hallucinatory return to the past? 12. As this scene (inside Willy's head) continues, what false idea does Willy peddle to his sons? 13. What is revealed about teenage Biff's popularity with girls? 81

24 49. Account for Willy's anger towards Biff. 50. According to Biff, what is at the core of Willy's (and his own) problems? 51. 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."? 52. Account for Linda's bewilderment at Willy's suicide. 53. How is it again made evident that Willy Loman "had the wrong dreams"? 54. Is Biff correct in saying of Willy that "He never knew who he was."? 55. Explain Happy's refusal to go with Biff and make a life for themselves in the country. 87

25 56. Is Charley's summation of Willy and his life as a salesman an accurate one? 57. Did Willy Loman die in vain? 58. What is wrong with Happy's assertion that "the only dream you can have [is] to come out number one man."? 59. Why did Willy never find true happiness? 60. Is Death of a Salesman an uncompromising indictment of "The American Dream"? 88

26 Short Essay Questions Key 1. What is the significance of the way the Loman house is presented when the play begins? Miller's stage directions specifically require that the salesman's house is overshadowed by tall apartment buildings "on all sides." This symbolizes the way in which Willy and the relatively small life goals he has achieved have been overshadowed by change and development. Not only has he not kept pace with these, they have overwhelmed him. The buildings also symbolize the enormous obstacles an ordinary person must face. 2. Why has Willy unexpectedly returned from his journey? Willy is exhausted, dispirited, and on the verge of a breakdown. He cannot seem to control his thoughts, or the car, which, he tells Linda, has come close to running off the road several times. He has come to the point where he cannot face the continual long drives associated with his type of sales work. 3. What is Linda's attitude to Willy's return? Linda is a loyal, devoted wife and she is very concerned about the husband she admires and deeply loves. She is tender, supportive and nurturing in her manner, coping with the terrible fear for him that she harbors and taking care that Willy does not see it. She urges him to rest. 4. In the first few minutes of the play, what indications are there that Willy has an affinity with the artistic and creative? At the very beginning of the play, the sound of a flute is heard. This recurs from time to time during the play and represents the family connection to the life of the artisan who creates by using his hands. Later we learn that Willy's father was expert in making flutes. Also in the first few minutes of the play, as Willy tells Linda of the driving experience that was frightening, he talks of the beauty of the scenery and there is a certain wistfulness, as if at a subliminal level he knows that this is what he truly prefers. 89

27 5. In what way is Linda realistic about life? While Willy begins to rail against the ironic situation that as soon as a mortgage is paid off there is no one to live in the house, Linda comments that "life is a casting off." This is wise and mature thinking. As a mother, she knows that one raises children in order, all too soon, to let them go out into the world and live their own lives. This is reality. The phrase "casting off" reminds us of the way insects (like cicadas emerging from the nymph stage) discard their shells and enter a new and dangerous existence. It makes us think, too, of a boat casting off from the jetty and moving into open water. 6. 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? As it becomes clear as the play develops, Willy has not understood his place in life. He has struggled to be someone that he is not and tries to become successful in a career for which he has always been unsuited. So far, Biff has traveled the same path. 7. What erratic behavior of Willy's indicates that he is disintegrating emotionally? Willy is confused and contradicting himself. He claims that Biff is lazy, yet seconds later describes Biff as a hard worker. His conversation shifts from subject to subject, sometimes disconcertingly, as when he breaks off a tirade about overpopulation to ask, suddenly "How can they whip cheese?" 8. How does Biff respond to Happy's question about his plans for the future? Biff expresses his uncertainties. He knows that, for him, virtual slave work in a warehouse is not fulfilling. He shares his love of the outdoors, of working with his hands and his impatience with the competitiveness of working in the commercial world. He reveals that he has had a variety of jobs and is directionless but wants to change that. He also knows that he ought to grow up and take on adult responsibilities such as a wife and family. 9. What does Biff suggest he and Happy do to change their lives? Biff believes the two of them would be happier out West somewhere, running their own ranch. Happy has admitted that, despite the girlfriends and the car and the nice 90

28 55. Explain Happy's refusal to go with Biff and make a life for themselves in the country. Happy sees any change in his own selected direction as defeat. Unfortunately, he has a narrow, possibly pig-headed, vision. Biff is now open to other possibilities. Happy cannot see that what he is rejecting is an opportunity to get free of the constraints of the commercial world with its brutal competitiveness. He seems set to repeat Willy's tragedy. 56. Is Charley's summation of Willy and his life as a salesman an accurate one? In a memorably picturesque way, Charley demonstrates his complete understanding of the way it is for a salesman like Willy. Success is made for the salesman, not through the quality or desirability of the products he introduces and demonstrates, but by force of personality. The strong indication is that people buy from the salesman because they like him. When he comes to a situation where he no longer has charisma, sales fall and so does his career, but he knows the risks. 57. Did Willy Loman die in vain? It is very likely that Willy Loman did die in vain. His purpose for suicide was to endow his family with the life insurance payout. However, there is every indication that the money would not be paid. The insurance company has evidence that earlier accidents were deliberate, one having been witnessed by a woman who stated Willy deliberately drove through a bridge railing. With this sort of previous evidence making Willy's fatal crash suspicious, it is unlikely that the family will see any money. 58. What is wrong with Happy's assertion that "the only dream you can have [is] to come out number one man."? Happy's goal of being "number one man" is the ambition of the arrogant egoist and has little substance. Happy does not take into account the fact that there is more than one way to measure success. He does not speak of success derived from mastery in some field but seems interested in power for its own sake. Without any philosophy underpinning his goals, it is open to question that he will achieve them. He seems likely to live a life similar to his father's. 102

29 59. Why did Willy never find true happiness? Willy never allowed himself to follow his passions and build his life and career around them. Instead, he allowed himself to be seduced by the superficial promises of a commercial world that was indifferent to his fate and did not value his efforts. 60. Is Death of a Salesman an uncompromising indictment of "The American Dream"? The American Dream, in which an individual can, through talent and by sheer effort, move from log cabin to White House, is partly fantasy and partly true. It is definitely possible for a man or woman to become self-actualized and also wealthy by effort combined with innate gifts. It is also true that people with little talent and a lot of push can be hugely successful but usually in an empty way. The vast bulk of humanity, leading what Thoreau called lives "of quiet desperation," works hard and honestly without ever becoming rich and famous. Willy Loman failed partly because he did not develop and fully utilize his talents, and partly because he based his life on a series of dishonesty. This is not to condemn the American Dream per se, but to exercise caution. 103

30 Essay Topic 14 "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 15 "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 16 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? Essay Topic 17 "Death of a Salesman shows us, in a moving way, how disastrous it is if people lack the ability or to accept change in themselves and in the social and economic world." Discuss this statement, making close reference to the play. Essay Topic 18 What is Willy Loman's philosophy of life? In what ways is this significant in his relationships and his fate? Essay Topic 19 "The commercial world inhabited by Willy Loman is very different from that which operates in the twenty-first century. Willy's tragedy would be impossible today." Referring to the text and to your knowledge of today's world, either agree with or refute this statement. Essay Topic 20 "BIFF: 'He had the wrong dreams. All, all wrong.'" "CHARLEY: 'Nobody dost blame this man.'" Do you agree with Charley? If Willy cannot be blamed for his tragedy, where does the blame (if any) lie? 106

31 Eight Week Quiz G Name: Period: This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Requiem. Multiple Choice Questions 1. What reason does Biff give Linda for Willy throwing him out? (a) Willy finds out Biff had been gambling. (b) Willy is uncomfortable around people who know he is a fake. (c) Biff has not paid enough board to his parents. (d) Willy does not like Biff bringing girls home. 2. What change has Happy noticed in Biff? (a) Biff has put on weight and seems confused. (b) Biff has become withdrawn and sad. (c) Biff has lost his sense of humor and has become bad-tempered. (d) Biff has lost his old humor and confidence. 3. Why does Willy need to borrow money from Charley? (a) He has no money to buy Linda a birthday present. (b) He cannot afford his insurance premium. (c) He has a loan shark after him and is terrified. (d) He cannot afford his next car payment. 4. What is the guaranteed proposition Willy refers to as he "speaks" to Ben? (a) The value of the mortgage (b) The payout on Willy's life insurance (c) His superannuation payout (d) The payout on Ben's life insurance 5. How does Happy advise his brother to deal with the Bill Oliver matter? (a) He advises Biff to go back and try again in a week. (b) He urges Biff to return the fountain pen anonymously. (c) He urges Biff to lie to Willy and pretend Bill Oliver is considering the matter. (d) He urges Biff to pretend Bill Oliver has offered the money unconditionally. 137

32 Short Answer Questions 1. What does Linda order her sons to do? 2. How long does Biff wait to see Bill Oliver? 3. What is the reason Biff gives Willy for Birnbaum's dislike of him? 4. What is wrong with Biff whistling in the elevator? 5. Why is Linda so furious with her sons? 138

33 9. How does Happy think Biff should handle telling Willy the bad news when he arrives at the restaurant? Happy suggests that Biff lie, telling his father something he knows the old man will want to hear. Like Willy himself, Happy wants to manufacture a world of pleasant make believe in which failures are never confronted and unpleasant truths are avoided. He favors keeping up appearances and cannot face reality. He encourages Biff to do the same. 10. What is the effect of Willy's words, "The gist of it is that I haven't got a story left in my head."? It is ironic that Willy says he has no stories left to tell. In truth, his mind is full of stories, not reality, not reflective thought, not self-knowledge, not the truth. What Willy is really saying is that he has run out of excuses. Unfortunately, he has no experience with reality and this is destroying him. 157

34 Final Test - Medium Name: Period: This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions. Multiple Choice Questions 1. How does Charley respond to Happy's claim that they (the brothers) would have helped Willy? (a) He says he had not realized that would be the case. (b) He laughs. (c) He tells Happy he does not believe he would ever have helped Willy. (d) He simply grunts. 2. In his outburst, what does Biff call Willy? (a) A fake and a rake (b) A phoney, a liar and a wizened Lothario (c) A liar, a fake and a phony (d) A liar, a rake and a phony 3. What caution does Ben offer? (a) It's not a good idea to fight fair with a stranger. (b) The policy might not be honored. (c) It's a bad idea to put all your eggs in one basket. (d) The amount invested might not be sufficient. 4. What is the reason Biff gives Willy for Birnbaum's dislike of him? (a) Birnbaum caught Biff kissing his daughter behind the bicycle sheds. (b) Birnbaum is jealous of Biff's looks. (c) Binbaum caught Biff mimicking him in front of the other students. (d) Birnbaum was jealous because Biff was actually better at calculus than was his teacher. 5. To what "cowardly thing" does Ben refer? (a) Suicide (b) Bankruptcy (c) Divorce (d) Scapegoating another person 158

35 Short Answer Questions 1. What is Willy doing in the garden? 2. Where does Stanley suggest Willy buy seeds? 3. What makes Linda bewildered about Willy's suicide? 4. What lie does Biff accuse Happy of telling? 5. How much money is involved? 159

36 Multiple Choice Answer Key 1. D 2. C 3. B 4. C 5. A Short Answer Key 1. What is Willy doing in the garden? Planting seeds 2. Where does Stanley suggest Willy buy seeds? At a hardware store on Sixth Avenue 3. What makes Linda bewildered about Willy's suicide? They were just about free and clear financially. 4. What lie does Biff accuse Happy of telling? That he is an assistant buyer. 5. How much money is involved? Twenty thousand dollars 160