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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 May Bartram buy in London?

2. Why does Dencombe feel this way?

3. How does James describe the Countess?

4. Where does John Marcher meet May Bartram?

5. What is Miss Staverton's relationship with Spencer Brydon?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Marcher's lifestyle.

2. How does James address the formal rules prescribed for fiction?

3. What did James study before he took to writing, and how did this influence his writing?

4. What is unique about the narration of 'In the Cage'?

5. Describe Dencombe's feelings about his own work.

6. What part does the telegraph operator play in the affair between Lady Bradeen and Captain Everard?

7. Where do John Marcher and May Bartram meet in 'The Beast in the Jungle'?

8. What happens in the affair between Lady Bradeen and Captain Everard?

9. Under what conditions does Spencer Brydon meet Miss Staverton again?

10. Who is Dr. Hugh?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

James' stories sometimes delve into hidden psychological motives and urges. How does James represent things that cannot be seen or felt, but are real to the characters? Does he use symbolism, personification, fantasy, metaphor? What other methods does he use to present the uncanny self inside the self?

Essay Topic 2

In 'The Real Thing' and other stories, James uses irony to evoke strong emotions and even feelings of surprise in the reader. Describe two different uses of irony in James' stories. Analyze the emotions created in the reader by the stories.

Essay Topic 3

How does James' stories describe the difference between America and Europe? What does each civilization stand for? How are they distinguished? What kind of drama is created when they come into conflict?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 710 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample