American Beauty - Study Guide

American Beauty study guide contains a biography of Sam Mendes, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• Biography of Sam Mendes
• About American Beauty
• Character List
• Major Themes
• Glossary of Terms
• Short Summary
• Full Summary and Analysis
• Summary and Analysis of Scene 1 ("The High Point of My Day") through Scene 4 ("The Gym")
• Summary and Analysis of Scene 5 ("Spectacular") through Scene 8 ("My Personal Hero")
• Summary and Analysis of Scene 9 ("I Love Root Beer") through Scene 12 ("I Want to Look Good Naked")
• Summary and Analysis of Scene 13 ("Mom's Mad") through Scene 16 ("The Most Beautiful Thing")
• Summary and Analysis of Scene 17 ("Pass the Asparagus") through Scene 20 ("Massive Psychological Damage")
• Summary and Analysis of Scene 21 ("The Day You Die") through Scene 24 ("Our Marriage is Just for Show")
• Summary and Analysis of Scene 25 ("You Couldn't Be Ordinary if You Tried") through Scene 27 ("My Stupid Little Life")
• Related Links on American Beauty
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Cast List
• Mendes' influence on American Beauty
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources
• Purchase American Beauty and Other Works
• Test Yourself! Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! Quiz 4
• Message Board on American Beauty