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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. Why does Lady Bradeen stop using the main character's telegraph office?

2. How does James characterize the main character's feelings for her fiancee?

3. How does James describe May Bartram's physical appearance?

4. What does Dencombe say about his best books?

5. How do the editors characterize James' view on short stories?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Where is 'In the Cage' set?

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

4. Describe the relationship between Marcher and Bartram.

5. Who is Dr. Hugh?

6. What did James study before he took to writing, and how did this influence his writing?

7. What is the significance of the title of this story?

8. What part does the telegraph operator play in the affair between Lady Bradeen and Captain Everard?

9. What effect does the affair of Lady Bradeen and Captain Everard have on the telegraph operator?

10. What happens to bring May Bartram and John Marcher into closer friendship?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In 'The Real Thing' and other stories, James uses irony to evoke strong emotions and even feelings of surprise in the reader. Describe two different uses of irony in James' stories. Analyze the emotions created in the reader by the stories.

Essay Topic 2

James is occasionally very specific about the season in which his stories are set. What is the literal or symbolic importance of the seasons and nature in James' stories?

Essay Topic 3

Write an evaluation of 'The Tales of Henry James.' What is this book's place in our culture? What are its uses? Who is its audience? What are its limitations?

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