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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 long does Newman wait to pay a visit to Claire after he has spoken to Valentin about his intentions with her?

2. What does Newman notice about Noemie when he comes to visit her with Valentin?

3. Who informs Newman that Noemie has left her father's home?

4. What is Newman's full name?

5. What relationship did Tristam and Newman have prior to meeting again in the story?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Newman allow Tristam to choose a new apartment for him?

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

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

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

6. What does Mrs. Tristam tell Newman Claire's family wants for her?

7. Why is Valentin considered upstanding and noble?

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

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

10. At the end of Chapter V, what amusing point does Newman make about other people's comments on his moral standards?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Identify what you think is the tone for "The American" and discuss 3 literary devices that James uses to create this tone.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss at least 4 ways "The American" would be different if the protagonist were female.

Essay Topic 3

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

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