CliffsNotes on

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

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Book Summary

Betty Smith Biography

Summary and Analysis by Chapter

Book 1: Chapters 1–3
Book 1: Chapters 4–6
Book 2: Chapters 7–9
Book 2: Chapters 10–12
Book 2: Chapters 13–14
Book 3: Chapters 15–17
Book 3: Chapters 18–20
Book 3: Chapters 21–23
Book 3: Chapters 24–26
Book 4: Chapters 27–29
Book 4: Chapters 30–33
Book 4: Chapters 34–36
Book 4: Chapters 37–39
Book 4: Chapters 40–42
Book 5: Chapters 43–45
Book 5: Chapters 46–48
Book 5: Chapters 49–51
Book 5: Chapters 52–54
Book 6: Chapters 55–56

Character Map

Character Analysis

Francie Nolan
Katie Rommely Nolan
Johnny Nolan
Neeley Nolan
Aunt Sissy
Aunt Evy
Mary Rommely
Other Characters

Critical Essays

Themes in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Symbols in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Study and Homework Help

Full Glossary for A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Quiz

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Study and Homework Help

Quiz

1:  Why is the tree growing in Francie's neighborhood called the Tree of Heaven?

a. Children climb it and feel closer to heaven.

b. A cross is carved in its wood.

c. It grows only in neighborhoods where the poorest people live.

d. Its structure resembles a crucifix.
2:  From what is Flossie's brother, Henny, dying?

a. Consumption

b. Cancer

c. Syphilis

d. Gonorrhea
3:  In addition to toys, what product does the factory in which Francie's Aunt Sissy manufacture?

a. Tires

b. Condoms

c. Munitions

d. Tupperware
4:  Why does the butcher give Francie a thick slice of liverwurst early in the novel?

a. It's old and he wants to get rid of it.

b. He doesn't have any other meat to sell.

c. It's the cheapest type of meat he sells.

d. He sees that she is so thin and in need of nourishment.
5:  What name does Sissy call all of her husbands?

a. Mark

b. George

c. Bill

d. John
6:  What did Katie do to Johnny immediately following his celebrating his twenty-first birthday with three days of drinking?

a. She locked him in her bedroom.

b. She kicked him out.

c. She moved to her sister Sissy's place.

d. She forced him to attend Sunday church service.
7:  Why is the pawnshop in Francie's neighborhood her favorite store?

a. The neighborhood kids hang out there more than anywhere else.

b. She likes the three gold balls hanging outside the shop.

c. Her mother works at the pawnshop.

d. She gets a part-time job at the pawnshop.
8:  What is the primary reason that Francie's family attends the Mattie Mahoney Association celebration?

a. Sissy is dating the president of the association.

b. The association is a Republican organization, and Johnny is a Republican.

c. The association is a Democratic organization, and Johnny is a Democrat.

d. Katie's boss forces the family to attend.
9:  What does Francie do with the small pumpkin pie that her teacher gives to her?

a. She eats the pie herself.

b. She gives it to the Tynmore sisters.

c. She shares it with the pawnshop owner.

d. She throws it away in anger.
10:  What does Johnny feed Francie and Neeley that makes them sick when he takes them to the ocean to fish?

a. Dried liverwurst

b. Fried Bologna

c. Sauerkraut

d. Rotten fish
11:  What does the group of women do to Joanna when they see her out pushing her baby in a stroller?

a. They coddle the baby.

b. They ignore her.

c. They throw stones at her.

d. They give some food to Joanna for her baby.
12:  How old is Johnny when he dies?

a. Forty-two

b. Forty-nine

c. Thirty-four

d. Fifty-one
13:  During the summer after graduation from elementary school, Francie begins to work at a factory that produces what?

a. Tissue flowers

b. Greeting cards

c. Balloons

d. Wrapping paper
14:  Why does the Model Press Clipping Bureau where Francie works close?

a. The clipping bureau is acquired by another company.

b. One of the clipping bureau's biggest clients turns out to be a German spy and the clipping bureau is forced to shut down.

c. The clipping bureau's president embezzles money.

d. The government charges it with tax evasion.



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