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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. Why does Clyde feel intimidated at the party?

2. What does Clyde comment on to make her feel like a princess?

3. Who does Clyde's mother say is back in town?

4. What does Roberta tell Clyde in chapter 33?

5. What does Clyde decide is important in a woman?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Clyde continue to go against what he believes is right?

2. How do the authorities react to Roberta's death?

3. How do social mores and class structure hold Clyde back?

4. How do the autopsy results change the whole perplexion of the case?

5. In what way is the political situation getting in the way of the trial?

6. How does hotel life contradict what Clyde has previously been taught by his family?

7. Why does the Governor grant Clyde a hearing?

8. What does Clyde hope to achieve in his new position?

9. Why does Clyde appeal to Sondra?

10. How has Clyde reacted to killing Roberta?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Dreiser was a socialist. Using two examples from the novel, discuss the ways the story reflects Dreiser's political ideas?

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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