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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. How does Valentin respond to Newman's observation that Valentin does nothing but enjoy his leisure?

2. Where does Newman first see Noemie?

3. What does Valentin warn Newman about during his visit to Newman's new home?

4. What does Noemie's father claim would make his daughter happier?

5. What does Valentin comment on when he comes to visit Newman in his new home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Newman interested in when it comes to a potential spouse for himself?

2. How did her family feel about Claire's decision to give up her right to her husband's money?

3. How does Claire's mother react when Newman tells her that he intends to marry Claire some day?

4. As their friendship starts to form, what do Mrs. Tristam and Newman offer each other?

5. What does Newman tell Tristam his reason is for being in Paris?

6. What does Valentin think Noemie's absence from her father's house symbolizes?

7. How does Nioche find a solution for the lack of dowry money he has for his daughter?

8. What happened that made Newman decide to leave business?

9. Why isn't Newman considered upstanding and noble in French culture?

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

Compare and contrast the characters of Newman and Valentin. How are they alike? How are they similar? Make sure to use direct quotations from the text to support your paper.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Analyze at least 3 literary techniques James uses to make one character of your choosing from "The American" very likable OR very unlikable to the reader.

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This section contains 740 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample