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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. What is the name of Sparser's luxury vehicle?

2. Why does the doctor refuse to help her?

3. What is the name of Roberta's sister's husband?

4. What does Roberta tell Clyde in chapter 33?

5. Who does Clyde go to for help?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Clyde try to appeal to his rich friends?

2. Why does Clyde appeal to Sondra?

3. Describe Roberta and Clyde's day out in chapter 18, book 2.

4. Why does Clyde accept McMillan's company?

5. What evidence does bring to the court in his opening statement?

6. How does Roberta's moral upbringing affect her relationship with Clyde?

7. What are Clyde's parents opinion on his new job?

8. How does Clyde's life change when he finds the job at the hotel?

9. In what way does the final chapter replay the opening chapter?

10. Why does Sparser drive at such a careless speed?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

An American tragedy is written in a naturalistic style.

1) What are the elements of a naturalistic style?

2) Why do you think Dreiser uses a naturalistic style for this novel?

Essay Topic 2

Clyde cannot resist women. Why do you think he is so weak in this regard? How do you think it affects his judgment?

Essay Topic 3

Compare Clyde and Roberta.

1) What is their relationship with their parents?

2) What is their relationship to each other?

3) Do you think they were the perfect match?

(see the answer keys)

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