Diane Arbus: A Biography 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 - Chapters 1-8

1. Did the Russek family achieve the American dream? How?

2. How were Diane and Howard inclined toward art? Who encouraged this?

3. From her schooling at the Ethical Culture School, what were the philosophies that Diane was raised on?

4. Was the Russek's store successful? How was it tried? How did it succeed?

5. Was Diane duplicitous at a teenager? How?

6. Did the Nemerov children have a "fairyland" childhood? Why or why not?

7. Did Diane believe her...
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