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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. How many sons does FDR have?

2. What plan does Mr. Howe devise to prevent reporters from seeing FDR on a stretcher?

3. What opinion does Sara have of Mr. Howe?

4. Why doesn't Eleanor get a private nurse to tend FDR?

5. According to FDR, what has given him strength through his illness?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does FDR interact with his children after his illness?

3. How does Woodrow Wilson's letter affect FDR?

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

5. What is the significance of FDR changing into his leg braces in Act 3, Scene 2?

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

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

8. Why does FDR continue to conduct business throughout his illness?

9. What is the purpose of Mr. Lassiter's visit?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How are suspense and fear used to motivate characters and progress the action of the play? How is suspense built onstage by using offstage characters and information? How does suspense add interest to the play and help express the themes of the play?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the use of fate and destiny in the play. What destiny is FDR fated to receive, and what lessons are learned by other characters as a result? Does Schary present destiny as a predetermined fate or a result of personal choice and hard work?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the relationship between the protagonist and antagonist of the play. How do they relate to and affect each other? What conflicts arise between the two? How are these issues resolved? Which "character" is more successful and why?

(see the answer keys)

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