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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Francis say he never committed suicide?
(a) He was deathly afraid of being alone forever in the cemetery.
(b) He knew that no one would say prayers for him in death.
(c) He was too busy trying to figure out how to live.
(d) He was always afraid of hell.

2. How does the narrator characterize Rosskam?
(a) Pudgy and short.
(b) Severe and impatient.
(c) Filthy and broad-chested.
(d) Tall and young.

3. What does Francis say he wants from his visit to Annie in Chapter 6?
(a) Just money and wine.
(b) A fresh start.
(c) Just to see everyone.
(d) Forgiveness.

4. Who does Fiddler Quain tell Francis he’ll have to forgive?
(a) His baby for falling.
(b) His traitorous hands.
(c) Harold Allen.
(d) Himself.

5. What does Katrina say will cure all Francis’ troubles?
(a) Knowledge.
(b) Sex.
(c) Whiskey.
(d) Travel.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why had Helen turned down a sandwich at Jack and Clara’s?

2. What revenge did Helen get on her mother?

3. What desire does Francis say he feels when Rosskam tells him about the women he makes love to during his rounds?

4. What does Helen say is her lucky star?

5. How did Helen’s father die?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Helen’s father’s death change her life?

2. How is Helen’s death different from other deaths in Ironweed?

3. Describe the vision Francis sees at Colonie Street.

4. How did Helen’s mother and brother cheat her?

5. Describe Rosskam and his environment.

6. What kind of peace does Francis make with Annie?

7. How do Francis’ kids react to seeing him?

8. What was Francis’ mother’s relationship with Katrina Daugherty like?

9. What peace does Francis establish with the ghosts who have been following him?

10. Explain the meaning of the attention Rosskam draws to Francis’ hands.

(see the answer keys)

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