Death of a Salesman
SHORT ANSWER STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS - Death of a Salesman
Act One
1. Who is Willy Loman?
Willy Loman is a travelling salesman. He has a wife and two sons. He talks to himself a lot. He is almost retired, but he has not been very successful. He seems short-tempered and out of his mind a little. 2. Identify Linda.
Linda is Willy’s wife. She is a wonderful wife and mother. She is always upbeat, supportive and positive. We only know Linda in contrast to Willy. 3. What happened to Willy after he got a little above Yonkers? Willy wasn’t paying attention while he was driving and almost hit a kid. 4. What is Linda's reaction to Willy's complaints about himself?
Linda is patient and encouraging. She tries to find an excuse for him. She cares about Willy and her boys’ well-being. 5. What reason does Willy give that he can't work in New York? He’s familiar with New England and they don’t need him in New York. 6. Identify Biff and Happy. They are Willy’s sons. Biff is two years older than Happy. Biff has been unsuccessful. He wants to be successful, but he likes working outside on the farm. Biff is well-built but now lacks confidence. Happy is tall, strong and oozes sexuality. He is positive but hides his sense of loss behind his confidence. Happy seems to like to hide his problems. 7. In the first scene with Linda, Willy contradicted himself twice. About what did he contradict himself?
“Biff is lazy”… “one thing about Biff, he’s not lazy.” “Windows don’t open on the new car.” But Willy had just opened it that day.
7. What seems to be the problem between Biff and Willy? Willy has many ideas for how Biff should live his life. Willy thinks Biff is wasting his opportunities. 9. Why doesn't Happy go west with Biff?
He’s actually content with where he is. He’s not honest with his own ideals. 10. What does Biff want from Bill Oliver?
Borrow money to build his own ranch.
11. Why did Biff stop working for
Act One
1. Who is Willy Loman?
Willy Loman is a travelling salesman. He has a wife and two sons. He talks to himself a lot. He is almost retired, but he has not been very successful. He seems short-tempered and out of his mind a little. 2. Identify Linda.
Linda is Willy’s wife. She is a wonderful wife and mother. She is always upbeat, supportive and positive. We only know Linda in contrast to Willy. 3. What happened to Willy after he got a little above Yonkers? Willy wasn’t paying attention while he was driving and almost hit a kid. 4. What is Linda's reaction to Willy's complaints about himself?
Linda is patient and encouraging. She tries to find an excuse for him. She cares about Willy and her boys’ well-being. 5. What reason does Willy give that he can't work in New York? He’s familiar with New England and they don’t need him in New York. 6. Identify Biff and Happy. They are Willy’s sons. Biff is two years older than Happy. Biff has been unsuccessful. He wants to be successful, but he likes working outside on the farm. Biff is well-built but now lacks confidence. Happy is tall, strong and oozes sexuality. He is positive but hides his sense of loss behind his confidence. Happy seems to like to hide his problems. 7. In the first scene with Linda, Willy contradicted himself twice. About what did he contradict himself?
“Biff is lazy”… “one thing about Biff, he’s not lazy.” “Windows don’t open on the new car.” But Willy had just opened it that day.
7. What seems to be the problem between Biff and Willy? Willy has many ideas for how Biff should live his life. Willy thinks Biff is wasting his opportunities. 9. Why doesn't Happy go west with Biff?
He’s actually content with where he is. He’s not honest with his own ideals. 10. What does Biff want from Bill Oliver?
Borrow money to build his own ranch.
11. Why did Biff stop working for