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. Why was Claire unable to inherit her husband's money?

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

3. What is Newman on the verge of doing when he spots Tom Tristam?

4. How much is the final price of Noemie's painting when it is delivered?

5. Why can't Noemie's father help her get married?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why is Valentin considered upstanding and noble?

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

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

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

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

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

9. What are the women doing in the Louvre that Newman finds so interesting?

10. Why does Newman not want to play poker with Tristam?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In a well-written essay, discuss the role that Noemie's father plays in the novel and at least one major benefit and challenge for James in including him.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast two marriages in the novel, making sure to use direct evidence from the text in your paper.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze at least 3 aspects of "The American" that makes the novel believable as well as what literary devices James uses to create that level of believability OR analyze at least 3 aspects of "The American" that makes the novel unbelievable as well as what literary devices James does not use effectively to create a level of believability in the story.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 730 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample