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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 the main character refuse the fiancee's offer?

2. What had John Marcher told May Bartram when they met earlier?

3. What does Dr. Hugh bring to Dencombe after Dencombe's collapse?

4. How old is Spencer Brydon?

5. James' critical language come from ___________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the relationship between Marcher and Bartram.

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

4. What rules does James lay out for writing?

5. What is Marcher's realization at the end of 'The Beast in the Jungle'?

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

7. What does Marcher realize when May Bartram dies?

8. Who is the main character of 'In the Cage,' and what is he dilemma?

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

10. What happens in the affair between Lady Bradeen and Captain Everard?

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

Evaluate your own reading of 'The Tales of Henry James.' Did you resist it, or were you compelled by the story? What does your reading tell you about yourself and your interests? Use specific examples from the book to describe yourself as a reader.

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 737 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample