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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 main character do to help Lady Bradeen?

2. James' critical language come from ___________.

3. How long did stories need to be in James' time?

4. How does James describe Miss Vernham?

5. How does James characterize Spencer Brydon's lifestyle all these years?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Dencombe realize in the end of 'The Middle Years'?

3. What is the significance of the title?

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

5. Describe the meeting between Dencombe and Dr. Hugh.

6. Under what conditions does Spencer Brydon meet Miss Staverton again?

7. How does Spencer Brydon react to the changes that took place in New York over the last 33 years?

8. Where do John Marcher and May Bartram meet in 'The Beast in the Jungle'?

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

10. Who is Dr. Hugh?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Henry James' views about social class, as represented in his stories. Is he someone who believes in the value of class, or does he seem to believe that every human being is inherently equal?

Essay Topic 2

What is the role of women in James' stories? How are they distinguished from men? Are their roles distinct, or is there much overlap or ambiguity? What is the purpose or use of this interrelation?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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