Empire of the Sun | 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 - Forward | Part 1, Chapter 1

1. Describe Jim's trip home from the Cathedral.

2. What is Jim's fascination with Vera's parents?

Short Essay Question - Part 1, Chapter 2 | Part 1, Chapter 3

3. Why did Jim quit the cubs?

4. What does Jim see just before he jumps from the blockhouse to retrieve his plane?

Short Essay Question - Part 1, Chapter 4 | Part 1, Chapter 5

5. Where does Jim go when he jumps out of his family's car as they are trying to leave the hotel?