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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Clyde discover in the newspaper the next morning?

2. What does Nicholson say the Judge should of allowed to be introduced in there totality?

3. What is the name of the Aldens neighbors?

4. How many members of the Jury supported Clyde?

5. Where do the Aldens live?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The book ends with Clyde being executed. What are your views on capital punishment? Why do you think society has become less tolerant of capital punishment?

Essay Topic 2

The novel depicts the class system in America in the twenties.

1) How and why was life changing for the working classes in twenties America? How difficult was it for a member of the working classes to make an impact on society?

2) What were the role of the upper classes in twenties America? How much control did they have?

3) Do you think there is still a recognizable class system in America? In what ways has it changed?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 229 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample