Independence Day 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. Describe the setting for the book. Why do you think the author used this setting? Could the story have taken place in any other location or time period? Explain.

2. Describe the main character, Frank Bascombe. What are his physical characteristics? What are his behavioral traits? What is revealed about his emotions?

3. Describe Frank's Existence Period. What does he mean by this term? What does he do during this period? How long has it lasted? Is he comfortable with it?

4. What is Frank's relationship with his ex-wife, Ann, as the story begins?...
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