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. Which of Clyde's fellow workers is the classy dresser?

2. Where do Clyde and Roberta dance?

3. What is the name of the restaurant Clyde has dinner at?

4. Where does Clyde find employment when he is 16?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Clyde find it so difficult to provide for his family?

2. Describe the death house.

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

4. Why does Gilbert not like Clyde?

5. In what way have the defense created a strong case for Clyde's innocence?

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

7. How has Clyde's behavior affected those around him?

8. In what way does Clyde's behavior reflect American society?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

An American Tragedy ends as it started with the Griffith family preaching on the streets with their young grandson Russell. What do you think will happen to Russell in the future? In what way can Mrs. Griffith stop Russell from turning out like Clyde? How important is a child's upbringing?

Essay Topic 3

Both Clyde and Roberta are restricted by their moral upbringings. Using two examples from the book discuss how their upbringings affect their decisions in the book. Do you think their moral upbringings were more destructive than helpful?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 749 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample