Reference no: EM133844437

Assignment:

Death of a Salesman Comprehension Questions

1. What are your initial impressions of Willy and Linda Loman? Provide reasons.

2. What conflicts do you see developing in the Loman family in these first few pages?

3. These opening pages contain indications that Willy is not only an exhausted man, but a confused one too. What indications are there of Willy's confusion?

4. As you know, active readers, viewers, and listeners are always predicting what will happen further on in a piece of literature. Based on the first few pages, what predictions can you make as to the way the play is likely to develop?

5. Though no actual scene change is indicated in the pages you just read, the scene does shift from Willy and Linda's bedroom to their son's room. How is this shift carried out?

6. Describe your initial impressions of Biff and Happy. What conflicts do they face in their lives?

What "flaws" do you detect in their attitudes or personalities?

7. Miller uses the word lost in reference to all three Loman men. How do they seem "lost" to you?

8. Do you think Biff's plan to see Bill Oliver, his old boss, will work? Why or why not?

9. The Loman household certainly has its difficulties, but would you say it's a home that has genuine love? Why or why not?

10. Willy, a parent obviously concerned with his sons' development, teaches them values- both by instruction and example. What sorts of values does Willy impart? How does he impart them?

11. Can you spot indications in this sense that even in his happier days Willy was a confused, "lost" man? If so, point out a few.

12. Linda offers support to Willy when he expresses self-doubt. What do you think of what she tells him? Does she help him deal with his problems, or does she perpetuate his illusions?

13. Why does Willy scorn Happy's offer to finance his retirement? Why do you think Willy can't ask his sons for help?

14. Willy's brother Ben is only there in Willy's imagination. What do you learn about Willy in seeing him talking simultaneously with Charley in reality and Ben in illusion?

15. Why do you think Willy continually insults Charley? What qualities does Willy feel that he shares with his sons that Charley doesn't have?

16. Why does Willy even in his flashback scene seem so eager to learn the secret of Ben's success? What answer does Ben give him?

17. To Willy, Ben is a symbol of something Willy wants but cannot achieve, what is this?

18. As pictured in this scene what sort of man is Ben? Do you think this is a true picture, or are you seeing him only as Willy imagines him to be?

19. Why does Willy seek Ben's approval in raising Biff and Happy? Did Willy have some doubts even back in the early years?

20. Contrast Charley's and Ben's attitudes toward the boys' stealing. How is Charley a foil character to Ben?

21. How does the author further establish the fact that Willy is becoming mentally disturbed?

22. What do you learn about Willy's relationship with Biff? What is Biff's attitude towards his father?

23. What do you learn about Willy and his position as a salesman?

24. Do you think Linda really understands Willy? Is Linda the soft, submissive wife and mother, or is there more depth to her character? Does she have realistic views of her sons? Is Linda being just when she says that her sons' treatment of her father is similar to the treatment given to him by the Wagner Company?

25. Why do you suppose the author introduces the matter of Willy's suicide attempts in this scene?

26. Why does Biff resolve to reform? Do you think Biff has deeper feeling for his parents than Happy does? Why or why not?