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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. How does James characterize the relationship between Mr. Offord and Brooksmith?

2. How does James characterize Brooksmith' success in his new positions?

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

4. What is the main character's response to this insistence?

5. What kind of people are the Monarchs, according to the main character?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Pemberton? What is he hired to do?

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

3. What is James saying about aristocracy in 'The Real Thing'?

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

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

6. What is the significance of the illustrator's statement that he doesn't regret the experience of drawing the Monarchs?

7. Where does the narrator believe Brooksmith has gone?

8. Who are Major and Mrs. Monarch?

9. What happens to Brooksmith when Mr. Oliver Offord dies?

10. Who are Miss Churm and Oronte?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of James' characters are weak or ineffectual young men. What virtues or strengths do these young men have, and do they compensate for their weaknesses?

Essay Topic 2

Which critical insight do you find most useful to understanding Henry James' work? Make an argument for one critical view of his stories. Tell why other critics were not as useful to your view of James.

Essay Topic 3

Write a character sketch of the author based on his style and content. What values does he hold dear? What are his hopes and fears? What kind of person do you think he is? Anchor your sketch in passages in the book.

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