Italian Stories = Novelle Italiane 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. Select 2-4 stories and explore the roles of women. What do these stories describe? How do they convey a message about the roles of women?

2. Describe the struggles between the upper and lower classes in Italy throughout the time periods these stories represent. Select three stories that best illustrate these struggles.

3. How does geography impact these stories? Choose three stories and explain how geography helps to develop the characters and plot.

4. Choose one story and explore how marriage is represented in it. What message is the...
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