A comprehensive study guide offering in-depth explanation, essay, and test prep for Henry James's The American, widely regarded as the first international novel and one of the earliest successes written by the outstanding American novelist and stylist. As a novel that celebrates and typifies the American spirit, James's early work combines elements of comedy and romance to contrast nineteenth-century American and European manners. Moreover, The American provides early insight to the theme of the "international subject," a theme that would dominate James's writing throughout his decades-long career. This Bright Notes Study Guide explores the context and history of James's classic work, helping students to thoroughly explore the reasons it has stood the literary test of time. Each Bright Notes Study Guide contains: - Introductions to the Author and the Work - Character Summaries - Plot Guides - Section and Chapter Overviews - Test Essay and Study Q&As The Bright Notes Study Guide series offers an in-depth tour of more than 275 classic works of literature, exploring characters, critical commentary, historical background, plots, and themes. This set of study guides encourages readers to dig deeper in their understanding by including essay questions and answers as well as topics for further research