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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. Which character nervously fiddles with FDR's hat in Act 1, Scene 3, before handing it to him?

2. What household item has been used in the construction of FDR's wheelchair?

3. Which two characters argue about FDR's future at the end of Act 1, Scene 2?

4. Which character does not want FDR to be involved in politics?

5. What does Eleanor not want her children to see?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Sara and Mr. Howe argue in Act 1, Scene 2?

2. How does Sara anger Mr. Howe in Act 1, Scene 2?

3. How does FDR respond to the crowd in Act 3, Scene 3?

4. How does the general public react to the news of FDR's disability?

5. Describe the family's evening entertainment in Act 1, Scene 1.

6. How does FDR fill his day while recuperating in his New York home?

7. How does Mr. Howe comfort Jimmy in Act 1, Scene 2?

8. What would Sara like to have FDR do in Act 1, Scene 2?

9. Describe Eleanor.

10. What opinion does FDR have of Al Smith?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the progression of FDR's political ambitions throughout the play. How are his ambitions affected by his illness? How do relationships with other characters affect his political ambitions? Are FDR's political views easily swayed by the influences of external events?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the use of symbolism in the play. What is the significance of FDR's 10 steps? Discuss the significance of FDR's need to stand for the duration of his speech. What is the significance of FDR's crawling? Discuss the significance of the progress FDR makes emotionally by becoming physically independent.

Essay Topic 3

To what higher purpose does FDR feel he is called? What role does FDR's paralysis play in his decision to follow his new purpose in life? What skills or virtues has he learned that will prepare him for his new purpose? How does FDR's new purpose affect the other characters?

(see the answer keys)

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