Added to these contradictions is Francis’s love of freedom and motion and escape-all of which run counter to his deep-seated loyalty and love for his family and for the city of Albany. Meanwhile, counterbalancing his quick temper is a reflective and thoughtful nature that holds sway in quiet moments-much of the text follows his deep and vivid trains of thought. On the other hand, when threatened or insulted, he typically responds proudly and angrily, as his violent past indicates. For instance, Francis is generous and friendly to almost everyone and quick to share a sandwich or a funny word (in his decidedly working-class speech). Much of the tension and uncertainty of the novel arises from seemingly contradictory traits that Francis exemplifies. As Ironweed’s protagonist, 58-year-old vagrant Francis Phelan faces a variety of internal doubts and struggles which drive the central conflict of the plot.
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