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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 does Sara accuse of riding on FDR's coattails?

2. Which one of FDR's children desperately wants to be recognized as an adult?

3. What language does Granny encourage the children to speak?

4. Who is assigned the title role in the evening's play reading?

5. Where is Act 1, Scene 1 set?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In Act 3, Scene 1, what does FDR suspect that the Democratic Party wants him to do?

3. Why does FDR refer to Jimmy as a "man of iron"?

4. How does FDR's illness affect his body?

5. How does FDR respond to Mr. Lassiter in Act 3, Scene 1?

6. What purpose does FDR believe his infirmity serves?

7. Describe the setting of Act 1, Scene 1.

8. Why does Mr. Lassiter oppose Al Smith's bid for the presidency?

9. How could FDR be lonely in a house full of people?

10. What epiphany does FDR experience about his mother at the end of Act 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the factors that motivate the characters in the play. How do these motivations develop and change through the course of the play? What lessons are learned by the characters as their motivations change?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Describe Jimmy's relationship with his father. How does FDR's perception of Jimmy change throughout the years? What impact does Jimmy have on FDR's recovery and political pursuits?

(see the answer keys)

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