Looking Backward: 2000-1887 | Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - Chapter 1

1. What does the narrator compare the classes of 1887 society to?

2. Why is the narrator's wedding delayed?

3. What are the wealthy's various views of the poor?

4. What two explanations does the narrative give for why society in 1887 does not change?

Short Essay Question - Chapter 2

5. The narrator states that he has to build a sleeping chamber due to insomnia, what does the sleeping chamber look like?

6. In Chapter 2, why does Sawyer call for Dr. Pillsbury?