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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 1.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where is Francis Phelan’s family derived from?
(a) Italy.
(b) Germany.
(c) England.
(d) Ireland.

2. What does Francis say he would like to do to his mother?
(a) Ask her forgiveness.
(b) Strangle her bones.
(c) Confess himself to her.
(d) Talk to her again.

3. What are Francis’ feelings about the house he was born in?
(a) He wants to burn it down.
(b) He wishes he could go back there.
(c) He wants to know what it’s like inside now.
(d) He doesn’t care if it falls down.

4. What does Daddy Big say Francis’ son Billy did for him?
(a) Gave him money.
(b) Got him work.
(c) Gave him a place to dry out.
(d) Kept him from choking when he was sick.

5. What does the narrator say is the real basis of the kinship the young Phelan brothers feel with Francis?
(a) Family.
(b) Alcoholism.
(c) Ireland.
(d) Poverty.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Francis work in the cemetery?

2. What is Francis Phelan’s father’s reaction to Francis’ arrival?

3. What day of the year does Ironweed start on?

4. What does the narrator say Rudy is aware of as Francis approaches Gerald’s grave?

5. What does Rudy tell Francis the doctor diagnosed him with?

(see the answer key)

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