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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 Urbain tell Newman the family still needs to come to terms with?

2. How does Valentin describe Claire to Newman?

3. While visiting Newman, what does Valentin confess to Newman that he is considering doing?

4. How does Claire react to Newman's first visit when he comes to see her?

5. Where do Tom Tristam and Newman know each other from?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Noemie tell her father to offer to teach Newman French?

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

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

4. While he is confessing his affections for her for the first time, what does Newman ask Claire to do in regard to her decision about him?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In a well-written essay, discuss what function Mrs. Tristam mother serves in the novel.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 759 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample