Appointment in Samarra | 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, Part 1

1. What are Irma Fliegler's thoughts as she looks out the window on Christmas morning?

2. How does Irma feel superior to the Jewish people across the street?

3. Who are the happiest people in this story?

4. How does the author use Irma's thoughts to share information about the story?

Short Essay Question - Chapter 1, Part 2

5. How does the author address the topic of alcoholism?

6. How does alcohol become a status symbol during the 1920s and 1930s?