An American Requiem | Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - Chapter 1, "In the Valley of Bones"

1. Upon what does James Carroll reflect?

2. Who is in attendance for his first mass and sermon?

3. How does the celebration begin?

4. How does James change from his pro-war attitude?

5. How does James, the anti-war priest from a military family feel giving his first sermon?

6. How does James' antiwar stance affect his father?

Short Essay Question - Chapter 2, "J. Edgar, Joe, and Me"

7. How does James honor his father...
(read more)