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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. What does the boy ask Winterbourne for in the garden?

2. How does James describe Miss Churm?

3. What is Brooksmith's role at Mr. Offord's gatherings?

4. What does the publisher believe is the reason for Julianne Bordereau wearing a certain accessory in his presence?

5. How does James characterize Mr. and Mrs. Monarch?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the narrator's interest in Brooksmith?

2. Who are Miss Churm and Oronte?

3. What is unique about James' narrative perspective in 'Brooksmith'?

4. Where does the narrator believe Brooksmith has gone?

5. What is the publisher trying to obtain in 'The Aspern Papers'?

6. What effect do the Monarchs have on the illustrator's art?

7. What prevents Mr. Oliver Offord's friends from hiring Brooksmith?

8. What does 'The Real Thing' say about the nature of art?

9. What is the first surprise we find out about Major and Mrs. Monarch?

10. What is the Moreens' financial situation, and how does this affect Pemberton?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

James' stories sometimes delve into hidden psychological motives and urges. How does James represent things that cannot be seen or felt, but are real to the characters? Does he use symbolism, personification, fantasy, metaphor? What other methods does he use to present the uncanny self inside the self?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the critical commentary for one of the stories. Which commentator seems to provide the most helpful insight into the story? How do you explain the other commentators' interest? What remains to be explained after these different commentaries?

Essay Topic 3

What are the rules that govern James' storytelling? What can you surmise from his essays and stories? Do his stories and his essays agree?

(see the answer keys)

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