Katherine 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. At the start of Katherine's story, she leaves the convent for the Queen's court in the company of two nuns and the lustful Long Will. Katherine has great hopes for her life and for finding love. Yet the author writes: "It was a sad pity she could hope for no great marriage". Why does the author say this? Is Katherine doomed?

2. Fate is a theme that threads throughout the novel. Despite Katherine's dislike for Hugh, she resigns herself to marrying him. How does this example illustrate the concept of accepting one's fate?

3. Despite...
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