View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does James describe Miss Vernham?

2. How does James characterize Spencer Brydon's alter ego?

3. How does James describe May Bartram's physical appearance?

4. What did the old superstition say about fiction?

5. Why does Lady Bradeen stop using the main character's telegraph office?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Marcher's realization at the end of 'The Beast in the Jungle'?

2. Describe the relationship between Marcher and Bartram.

3. What is the significance of the title of this story?

4. Describe Spencer Brydon's encounter with his alter ego.

5. Under what conditions does Spencer Brydon meet Miss Staverton again?

6. Describe Marcher's lifestyle.

7. What is the significance of the title?

8. Who is Dr. Hugh?

9. What part does the telegraph operator play in the affair between Lady Bradeen and Captain Everard?

10. How does Spencer Brydon react to the changes that took place in New York over the last 33 years?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Evaluate your own reading of 'The Tales of Henry James.' Did you resist it, or were you compelled by the story? What does your reading tell you about yourself and your interests? Use specific examples from the book to describe yourself as a reader.

Essay Topic 2

Write an evaluation of 'The Tales of Henry James.' What is this book's place in our culture? What are its uses? Who is its audience? What are its limitations?

Essay Topic 3

Money is an issue for many of the characters in James' stories. Where does money come from, and who produces it? Which, if any, characters, have earned their freedom by making money themselves, and what kind of freedom do the other characters come by or struggle to attain?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 742 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample