Death Of A Salesman

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Death Of A Salesman - Quiz

Here you will be presented with a quiz covering Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller. Good luck!


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Who is the author of Death of a Salesman?

    • A.

      Arthur Miller

    • B.

      Willy Loman

    • C.

      Biff Loman

    • D.

      John Steinbeck

    • E.

      Danielle Steele

    Correct Answer
    A. Arthur Miller
    Explanation
    Arthur Miller is the correct answer because he is the author of Death of a Salesman. This play, first performed in 1949, is considered one of Miller's most famous works. It tells the story of Willy Loman, a struggling salesman, and his family as they navigate the American Dream and the realities of life. Miller's portrayal of the Loman family's struggles and the themes of disillusionment and the pursuit of success have made Death of a Salesman a classic in American literature.

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  • 2. 

    Who is the oldest?

    • A.

      BIff

    • B.

      Happy

    • C.

      Willy

    • D.

      Ben

    • E.

      Bernard

    Correct Answer
    D. Ben
    Explanation
    Ben is the oldest because he is the only one mentioned in the given options. Since there is no other information provided about the ages of Biff, Happy, Willy, and Bernard, we can assume that Ben is the oldest among them.

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  • 3. 

    Where did Ben go to make it rich?

    • A.

      Alaska

    • B.

      Arkansas

    • C.

      Portland

    • D.

      Africa

    • E.

      Brooklyn

    Correct Answer
    D. Africa
    Explanation
    Ben went to Africa to make it rich. This suggests that Africa is perceived as a place where one can find opportunities for wealth and success. It is possible that Africa is known for its natural resources, business opportunities, or emerging markets that can potentially lead to financial prosperity.

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  • 4. 

    What is Biff doing in present day?

    • A.

      He has no job, and spends his time sleeping with older women.

    • B.

      He was working in the West, but has now come home and has no job.

    • C.

      He was working in Alaska, but has returned so that he can find good wife.

    • D.

      He has a job as an administrative assistant, but doesn't enjoy it very much.

    Correct Answer
    B. He was working in the West, but has now come home and has no job.
    Explanation
    Biff is currently unemployed and has returned home after working in the West.

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  • 5. 

    Where does the Loman family live?

    • A.

      Queens

    • B.

      Boston

    • C.

      Long Island

    • D.

      Brooklyn

    Correct Answer
    D. Brooklyn
    Explanation
    The Loman family lives in Brooklyn.

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  • 6. 

    Why does Willy believe his sons will be more successful than Bernard?

    • A.

      That more women like Happy shows that he will be more successful.

    • B.

      Biff's athletic accomplishments will get Bernard into a better college.

    • C.

      Bernard is "liked, but not well liked."

    • D.

      Biff and Happy have better business connections because of WIlly.

    Correct Answer
    C. Bernard is "liked, but not well liked."
    Explanation
    Willy believes his sons will be more successful than Bernard because Bernard is "liked, but not well liked." This suggests that while Bernard may have some level of popularity or acceptance, he lacks the deeper connections and strong relationships that are necessary for achieving true success. Willy likely believes that Biff and Happy, who have better business connections because of him, will have greater opportunities and advantages in their careers compared to Bernard. Thus, Willy sees his sons' social connections as a key factor in their potential for success.

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  • 7. 

    How did Ben become rich?

    • A.

      Alaska oil fields

    • B.

      African diamond mines

    • C.

      Mexican gold mines

    • D.

      Montana ranches

    Correct Answer
    B. African diamond mines
    Explanation
    Ben became rich through his involvement in the African diamond mines.

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  • 8. 

    Why does Linda believe that her sons should treat Willy kindly?

    • A.

      He is a human being, and "attention must be paid."

    • B.

      He has provided well for his family.

    • C.

      He has been a dedicated father.

    • D.

      He is a successful man who can teach his family a great deal.

    Correct Answer
    A. He is a human being, and "attention must be paid."
    Explanation
    Linda believes that her sons should treat Willy kindly because he is a human being, and "attention must be paid." This implies that every individual deserves respect and consideration simply because they are human. It suggests that regardless of Willy's flaws or mistakes, he should be treated with kindness and understanding. This belief may stem from Linda's values of empathy and compassion, emphasizing the importance of treating others with dignity and recognizing their inherent worth as human beings.

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  • 9. 

    What object does Howard have in his office that frightens Willy?

    • A.

      Wire recorder

    • B.

      Electric typewriter

    • C.

      Television

    • D.

      Radio

    Correct Answer
    A. Wire recorder
    Explanation
    In the given question, the correct answer is "wire recorder". This suggests that Howard has a wire recorder in his office that frightens Willy. A wire recorder is a device used to record and play back audio using magnetic wire. This object might frighten Willy due to its unfamiliarity or perhaps because it produces unexpected noises or sounds.

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  • 10. 

    Why does Biff not go to college?

    • A.

      Willy cannot afford to pay for college.

    • B.

      He refuses to go to summer school to pass math.

    • C.

      He cannot get an athletic scholarship, as he expected.

    • D.

      Biff prefered to go west and work on a ranch.

    Correct Answer
    B. He refuses to go to summer school to pass math.
    Explanation
    Biff does not go to college because he refuses to go to summer school to pass math. This suggests that Biff is not willing to put in the extra effort required to improve his grades and meet the academic requirements for college. It implies that Biff may not value education or see it as a priority in his life.

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  • 11. 

    Which of the following problems does Biff not have?

    • A.

      Biff never trains properly for his games.

    • B.

      Biff is too tough with the girls.

    • C.

      Biff is constantly stealing.

    • D.

      Biff does not study for the Regents exam.

    Correct Answer
    A. Biff never trains properly for his games.
    Explanation
    Biff not training properly for his games is the only problem that he does not have. The other options mention problems related to his behavior with girls, stealing, and not studying for exams, which suggests that these are issues he actually faces. However, the fact that Biff does not train properly for his games is not mentioned as a problem, indicating that this is not an issue for him.

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  • 12. 

    Which of the following does not describe Linda Loman?

    • A.

      Helpful

    • B.

      Patient

    • C.

      Obedient

    • D.

      Loyal

    Correct Answer
    C. Obedient
    Explanation
    Linda Loman is described as helpful, patient, and loyal throughout the play "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller. However, the adjective "obedient" does not accurately describe her character. Linda is shown to be independent-minded and willing to stand up for herself and her family, even when it goes against societal expectations. She challenges her husband Willy's decisions and tries to protect her sons from his unrealistic dreams. Linda's character is defined by her strength and resilience, rather than blind obedience.

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  • 13. 

    Why is Happy Loman perhaps less self-assured than Biff?

    • A.

      Happy has never been as loved by their father as Biff.

    • B.

      Happy has never tasted the success that Biff has.

    • C.

      Happy has never risked failure.

    • D.

      Happy has never had the gratifying social life that Biff has.

    Correct Answer
    C. Happy has never risked failure.
    Explanation
    Happy Loman is perhaps less self-assured than Biff because he has never risked failure. This suggests that Happy may lack the confidence and resilience that comes from facing and overcoming challenges. Unlike Biff, who has experienced setbacks and disappointments, Happy has played it safe and avoided taking risks. This lack of willingness to step out of his comfort zone and face potential failure may have contributed to his lower self-assurance compared to Biff.

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  • 14. 

    Which of the following characters does attend Willy's funeral?

    • A.

      Howard

    • B.

      Bernard

    • C.

      Charley

    • D.

      Ben

    • E.

      What? Willy died? When did THAT happen?

    Correct Answer
    C. Charley
    Explanation
    Charley attends Willy's funeral because he is Willy's neighbor and friend. Charley is the only character mentioned in the options who is known to have a close relationship with Willy. Howard is Willy's boss, Bernard is Willy's son's friend, and Ben is Willy's brother. The statement "What? Willy died? When did THAT happen?" is not relevant to the question and does not provide any information about who attends the funeral.

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  • 15. 

    Why did Biff not keep in contact with his parents when he was out west?

    • A.

      He was homeless, living on the streets in Oklahoma City.

    • B.

      He did not want to have any contact with his father.

    • C.

      He was in jail.

    • D.

      He was moving from place to place without a concrete address.

    Correct Answer
    C. He was in jail.
    Explanation
    Biff did not keep in contact with his parents when he was out west because he was in jail. This suggests that his incarceration prevented him from reaching out to his parents and maintaining communication with them.

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  • 16. 

    What causes the rift between Biff and Willy Loman?

    • A.

      Willy finds out that Biff has been stealing.

    • B.

      Biff has unrealistic expectations about his father's success.

    • C.

      Willy is disappointed that Biff refuses to go to college.

    • D.

      Biff finds out that Willy is having an affair.

    Correct Answer
    D. Biff finds out that Willy is having an affair.
    Explanation
    Biff finding out about Willy's affair causes a rift between them because it shatters Biff's idealized image of his father. Biff has always looked up to Willy and believed in his success, but discovering the affair reveals a flaw in Willy's character and undermines Biff's trust and respect for him. This revelation creates a deep emotional betrayal and leads to a strained relationship between the two.

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  • 17. 

    Why does Bernard not help Biff cheat on the Regents exam?

    • A.

      Biff does not show up to the exam at all out of bitterness toward Willy.

    • B.

      Bernard neither admires nor respects Biff.

    • C.

      It is a state exam, and Bernard could be arrested.

    • D.

      Bernard thinks that Biff should do his own work.

    Correct Answer
    C. It is a state exam, and Bernard could be arrested.
    Explanation
    Bernard does not help Biff cheat on the Regents exam because it is a state exam, and Bernard could potentially face legal consequences if caught assisting in cheating.

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  • 18. 

    Why does The Woman choose Willy Loman?

    • A.

      His sense of humor.

    • B.

      His promise to buy her stockings.

    • C.

      His hope for the future.

    • D.

      His charismatic personality.

    Correct Answer
    A. His sense of humor.
    Explanation
    The Woman chooses Willy Loman because of his sense of humor. This suggests that she is attracted to his ability to make her laugh and find joy in their interactions. Humor can be an important trait in relationships as it helps to create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere. It also indicates that the Woman values having a good time and being able to share laughter with her partner.

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  • 19. 

    What was Willy Loman's father's profession?

    • A.

      Repairman

    • B.

      Carpenter

    • C.

      Salesman

    • D.

      Inventor

    Correct Answer
    D. Inventor
  • 20. 

    Who removed the rubber pipe that had been connected to the gas heater?

    • A.

      Willy

    • B.

      Linda

    • C.

      Biff

    • D.

      Happy

    Correct Answer
    C. Biff
    Explanation
    Biff removed the rubber pipe that had been connected to the gas heater.

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  • 21. 

    21. Is Death of a Salesman a tragedy and Willy Loman a tragic hero, or is his death merely the pathetic demise of a small man?

  • 22. 

    23. What is the turning point in Willy’s life? Is Willy the main character in this play or is Biff? Why? What does Biff discover about himself? How does this discovery affect his relationship with Willy? How is Biff’s self-realization dramatic? What is the climax of the play?

  • 23. 

    23. What is Willy’s dream? What is he searching for throughout the play? Why doesn’t he find it? Did he have a chance of fulfilling it? Did he have the wrong dream?  Inappropriate attitudes? Is he a born loser, or does he stand in his own way to success? Explain.

  • 24. 

    24. Discuss the significance of Willy’s being a younger son with an absent father. How does that influence his behavior with his own sons? In what ways does Happy’s situation reflect Willy’s?  

  • 25. 

    25. Does Linda help or hinder Willy in overlooking his small sales and his dishonest attempts to make them seem bigger? How else does she influence Willy? Discuss Linda’s remark, “Attention—attention must finally be paid to such a man!” What is the effect of the switch in Linda’s speech to this very formal statement? Why does Miller use it?

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Aug 09, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Elliott_willingh

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