View a FREE sample

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 Spencer Brydon's lifestyle all these years?

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

3. How does the telegraph operator help Lady Bradeen and Captain Everard?

4. How does James characterize the relationship between May Bartram and John Marcher?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is the telegraph operator's fiancée asking her to do?

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

5. Describe Marcher's lifestyle.

6. Describe the relationship between Marcher and Bartram.

7. What does Marcher realize when May Bartram dies?

8. What is unique about the narration of 'In the Cage'?

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

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

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

Where is the climax of this book? Are there different climaxes? What questions does each climax resolve? What questions does each climax leave unanswered?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 784 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample