Fiddler on the Roof | 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 - Act 1, Prologue

1. At the start of the story, what does Tevye share with the audience about tradition?

2. Why does the matchmaker feel that the shoemaker's daughter is a perfect match for someone in particular?

3. Describe the blessing the rabbi gives the Tsar as the story opens.

4. What does Tevye say regarding the Russians living in their village?

Short Essay Question - Act 1, Scene 1

5. When we first meet Tevye's daughters, what do we learn about Chava?

6. As Yente, the...
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