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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. How does Francis characterize his reaction to the death of Dick Doolan?
(a) He was driven to confess.
(b) He was compelled to flee.
(c) He was determined to justify the death.
(d) He was intent on praying for redemption.

2. What is the price Helen pays for sleeping where she does after leaving Clara's house?
(a) A sex act.
(b) She stays for free.
(c) Six dollars.
(d) Two dollars.

3. What urge does Francis have when he and Helen leave Jack and Clara’s?
(a) To make love to Helen.
(b) To sleep.
(c) To run.
(d) To drink.

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

5. What is Francis Phelan’s father’s reaction to Francis’ arrival?
(a) He is heartbroken with forgiveness.
(b) He is pleased to see his son.
(c) He is tormented with impatience.
(d) He is disturbed by unfinished business.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Francis say his mother probably is?

2. How does Francis characterize Sandra’s life?

3. When did the confrontation with the scabs take place?

4. Which street does Francis say he used to own?

5. What does Rudy say his religion is?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the relationship between Francis and Rudy.

2. When Helen says that she won’t go back to Finny’s car, she says that she might call her people. What is the irony in this?

3. Describe the presence of the dead in Francis’ present day experience, after shoveling dirt at the cemetery.

4. How did Francis end up with a job shoveling dirt at the cemetery?

5. How does the narrator describe Gerald’s body in the grave?

6. What kinship does Francis have with the Phelan brothers?

7. What price does Helen pay for sleeping in Finny’s car?

8. What effect is created by the author’s sophisticated vocabulary?

9. How did Francis’ father die?

10. What does Francis say is the curve of Clara’s life?

(see the answer keys)

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