Good Night, Mr. Tom | 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, "Meeting"

1. Why has Willie come to stay with Tom and how does Tom feel about this?

2. Why does Willie believe that he is a bad boy and what are the consequences of his being one?

3. What is the significance of the graveyard?

4. How is Willie's reaction to the squirrel and the dog telling of his character?

Short Essay Question - Chapter 2, "Little Weirwold"

5. What does the reader learn about Tom as he walks through town with Willie in Chapter 2?