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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. With whom does Madame de Vionnet wish for her daughter to spend time in Book 9?

2. Whom does Strether think that Chad should be with?

3. Who tells Strether about the Pocock's trip to Switzerland?

4. What is Sarah Pocock's nickname?

5. What does Miss Gostrey say that Madame de Vionnet said about Chad?

Short Essay Questions

1. What artist's painting does the scenery outside Paris remind Strether of?

2. With whom does Strether discuss meeting in Book 11?

3. When Strether encounters Mamie Pocock, whom is she expecting?

4. Where in Paris is the Pocock's hotel?

5. Who has departed for Switzerland in Book 11?

6. What does Chad admit about Sarah's visit to Strether in Book 11?

7. What does Chad tell Strether he is ready to do in Book 7?

8. Where does Strether visit in the beginning of Book 7?

9. What does Chad ask Strether concerning his feelings from Chad's mother in Book 7?

10. Which new characters arrive in Paris in Book 8?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The entire novel concerns the question of Chad's return to America. Analyze whether or not Chad's decision was predictable. In your essay, also discuss whether or not you think Strether had confidence that he would succeed in his mission? Did your expectation of success (or Strether's) change during the novel?

Essay Topic 2

There are many instances in the novel of characters being disingenuous, lying, or withholding information. Strether occasionally notices these lies but does not count them as strong moral judgments. Write an essay explaining what justifies lying from Strether's point of view, including whether you consider that all lies are justified or only in specific circumstances.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you examine James' psychological portrayal of his characters. Is it possible always to know what James' characters are thinking? Do certain characters' views surprise the reader? Are the thoughts of the characters of greater interest to the writer than the action of the plot? Examine the psychological complexity of the novel's characters, and argue whether you think The Ambassadors is a psychological novel.

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