In Country 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. What does the egret symbolize for Emmett? Discuss various instances in the book where Emmett looks for the egret and what it means to him.

2. How is Sam's impression of Vietnam different from soldier accounts of life there? How does Emmett feel about her impression of the war?

3. What effect does the Vetnam War have on Emmett? How does it compare to the effect it has on other veterans of the war?

4. Sam is resentful of her mother's new baby, Heather. Explain why.

5. What happens...
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