View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What quality does a premise have to have in order to be suitable for a novel, in James' opinion?
(a) It has to redefine the forms of all novels that came before it.
(b) It has to make new insights into the nature of human consciousness.
(c) It has to prove a moral or teach a lesson.
(d) It has to be rich with possibilities.

2. What does the main character do to help Lady Bradeen?
(a) Corrects an error in her telegram.
(b) Protects her reputation.
(c) Saves her money.
(d) Warns her about her husband's visit.

3. What does May Bartram tell John Marcher about his secret?
(a) The event he waited for has already happened.
(b) She had always known about his secret.
(c) Everyone knew his secret.
(d) He had misinterpreted all the important signs.

4. How does the telegraph operator help Lady Bradeen and Captain Everard?
(a) She poses as Captain Everard's lover for the sake of Lady Bradeen's husband.
(b) She hides their correspondence from investigators.
(c) She prevents Lady Bradeen's husband from finding out.
(d) She contains the fallout of their affair.

5. What is Dr. Hugh's reaction to Dencombe's book?
(a) He is unrestrainedly critical.
(b) He is profoundly personally moved.
(c) He is enthusiastic by reserved.
(d) He praises it lavishly.

Short Answer Questions

1. How old is Spencer Brydon?

2. What does Dencombe expect when he opens the package he has received?

3. Where does the main character stroll past on her way home?

4. What does James say fiction must be, above all?

5. How does James describe the Countess?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does James address the formal rules prescribed for fiction?

2. Describe the meeting of Captain Everard and the telegraph operator.

3. Where had John Marcher and May Bartram met previously, and what had happened then?

4. Describe the relationship between Marcher and Bartram.

5. Who is Dr. Hugh?

6. How does James address the superstition that fiction is diabolical?

7. What is the difference between the doctor's relationship with Dencombe and his relationship with the Countess?

8. Describe Spencer Brydon's encounter with his alter ego.

9. What is the significance of the setting in 'The Middle Years'?

10. What is unique about the narration of 'In the Cage'?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 870 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample