Ironweed

In the opening chapter, Gerald impresses upon Francis the need to “perform final acts of expiation for abandoning the family” (19). Which, if any, of Francis’s actions throughout the novel might qualify as such? How so?

How does Francis’s affair with Katrina change him? Which of her philosophies and ideas does he take to heart and which ones does he seem to reject? How can you tell?

Imagine that Francis is being tried for his crimes in a court of law, and you are the prosecuting attorney: what evidence from the novel could you use to convince the judge and jury to set a harsh punishment? Then switch sides: how might you defend Francis, minimizing his responsibility? Explain which side you find most persuasive, and why.