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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How did Helen find out that her mother had betrayed her?

2. For whom does Helen light a candle when she goes to church?

3. What does Francis say was always easier than coming home?

4. The narrator says that even as Francis felt rich, he felt what other feeling?

5. Who is remembered on All Saints Day?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Annie’s greeting when Francis arrives at her house.

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

3. How does Francis characterize the difference between Annie’s kiss and Katrina’s?

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

5. How does the narrative change in Chapter 5?

6. Describe Helen’s relationship with Arthur.

7. Describe the vision Francis sees at Colonie Street.

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

9. Why does Helen say that she and Francis could not marry?

10. What does Rosskam tell Francis about his sex life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is missing from this book? What should have been covered or presented that was not? What is the effect of this absence? Describe an element that ought to have been covered, and explain why it would have made the book stronger.

Essay Topic 2

In what ways is Ironweed relevant to contemporary readers? What contemporary issues are in play in the book, and how would the book contribute to contemporary discussion? Cite specific discussions from contemporary sources, and cite specific instances from the book that describe its contemporary relevance.

Essay Topic 3

Where is the climax of this book? Are there different climaxes? What questions does each climax resolve? What questions does each climax leave unanswered?

(see the answer keys)

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