Patti Rice
English 9A
Essay Questions
Short Story Unit
Student Name ___________________Hour _____________
Read each of the questions below very carefully. Then select the question of your
choice and APPLY it to the story of your choice. Make sure that your essay contains
significant analysis (detail & example) to be written on the story you have selected,
some of the shorter stories may not have enough information provided to be suitable
to write on!
Your essay MUST contain an original & creative title. In addition, this essay/ writing
MUST be at least fifteen sentences long. Be sure that the first sentence is a thorough
topic sentence, which clarifies your focus! AVOID simply summarizing each story ~
react to and interpret the deeper intent of the author!
TOTAL POINTS = 50 Points (weighed double)
Grading will be based upon each of the Six Traits ~Ideas/ Organization (including
transitions/follow ups)/ Voice/ Word Choice/ Sentence Fluency/ Conventions. Be
sure to carefully proofread and correct errors! Remember that this final copy must
NOT only be neatly word processed, but also, submitted to turnitin.com.
1. Write on “mans inhumanity to man” (character to character cruelty) as
it is displayed within the story of your choice. How does the conflict
provided within this story best illustrate the cruelty of human beings?
2. Write on the dynamic characterization of the protagonist of your
choice. What & how does this character evolve? Is this positive or
negative growth on the part of this character? Is this a likeable/
unlikable character and why?
3. Describe the setting of this story as it best relates to the MOOD of the
story. Why can’t this story take place in any other location?
4. Select a story, which actually taught YOU (the reader) a specific
lesson! What was the lesson you learned and why. How specially did
this story touch or impact you? Supply specific sections or examples!
5. Write on the symbolism within a story. Select ONE ITEM from ONE
STORY and reflect upon the deeper meaning/ symbolism of this item.
Why did the author choose to have this item represent something?
What does this do in regards to the reader’s enjoyment of the story?