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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. What was the outcome of Helen’s one pregnancy?
(a) A boy who died young.
(b) A stillborn baby.
(c) Miscarriage.
(d) A girl who was taken from her.

2. Where did Helen plan to go after Vassar?
(a) London.
(b) Chicago.
(c) New York.
(d) Paris.

3. What does Helen say she is a symbol of?
(a) She says that she is not a symbol of anything.
(b) She says that she is a symbol of the potential in the human heart.
(c) She says that she is a symbol of the life Francis wanted for himself.
(d) She says that she is a symbol of the road-not-taken.

4. How does Helen characterize her relationship with Arthur?
(a) He set her free.
(b) He kept her prisoner.
(c) He introduced her to herself.
(d) He squandered her wealth.

5. What does Francis say he wants from his visit to Annie in Chapter 6?
(a) A fresh start.
(b) Forgiveness.
(c) Just to see everyone.
(d) Just money and wine.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why had Helen turned down a sandwich at Jack and Clara’s?

2. How did Francis become close to Katrina Daugherty?

3. What does Katrina say will cure all Francis’ troubles?

4. Where did Helen meet Arthur?

5. How does Francis characterize his mother?

Short Essay Questions

1. What peace does Francis establish with the ghosts who have been following him?

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

3. Describe Helen’s relationship with Arthur.

4. What memories does Rosskam’s sex talk evoke for Francis?

5. How does Helen feel about her life, when she is summing it up as she dies?

6. Describe the vision Francis sees at Colonie Street.

7. How does Francis describe having met Helen when he was younger?

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

9. Explain the meaning of the attention Rosskam draws to Francis’ hands.

10. What was Francis’ mother’s relationship with Katrina Daugherty like?

(see the answer keys)

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