Humboldt's Gift Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. Denise is Charlie's ex-wife. When explaining her feelings about Charlie's oldest friend, George Swiebel, she says, "George Swiebel is your billy goat." Explain what Denise meant by this statement and how it relates to Charlie.

2. Charlie's car is nearly destroyed, and he is furious with Cantabile. Why does Charlie relent and decide to give Cantabile the $450 the man says Charlie owes him when Charlie was told that Cantabile and his cousin cheated at poker? Delve into Charlie's personality and those around him.

3. When Charlie meets Cantabile at the Russian...
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