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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 Nioche confide in Newman is the biggest struggle for him regarding his daughter?

2. What topic comes up during Newman's first visit to see Claire?

3. What promise did Claire make to her family in order to make peace with everyone?

4. What do the Nioches add to Noemie's first painting that brings its price up?

5. At the end of Chapter VIII, what does Valentin agree to do for Newman?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Valentin, what attitude toward life does Claire have?

2. What impression does Newman get from Urbain during his dinner at the Bellegardes in Chapter XII?

3. What does Valentin think about Noemie and her plans for the future when he first meets her?

4. Why does Babcock decide to stop traveling with Newman?

5. Why does Nioche offer to teach Newman French for free?

6. How does Noemie react to the paintings Newman wants her to paint for him?

7. How does Mrs. Tristam respond when she learns that Newman has never been married?

8. What causes Claire to shift from threatening to banish Newman if he talked about marriage again to making him wait 6 months instead?

9. What does Newman think will happen that will make him return to business?

10. What has Claire's family already done to her in regard to marriage?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe at least 3 things that James is able to do with the character of Newman because he is a man AND at least 3 things he is *not* able to do with Newman because he is a man.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast 2 female characters of your choosing from the "The American," making sure to use direct evidence and examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Write a well-reasoned argument discussing whether or not Newman is a good role model for young, male readers.

(see the answer keys)

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