View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Clyde say he lost his hat?

2. What does the Judge deny the defense?

3. What does the defense call Clyde?

4. Where does Charles bury his tripod?

5. What is the name of the district attorney?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mason uses the trial to enhance his political reputation while the defense makes up elaborate lies to persuade the jury to find Clyde innocent. How accurate do you think Dreiser's depiction of American justice is? Do you think it is a negative or positive portrayal or simply realistic?

Essay Topic 2

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 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 206 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample