Main Street 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 character Carol and her expectations at the beginning of "Main Street."

Part 1) What are her expectations for her life?

Part 2) What are her expectations for other people?

Part 3) What are her expectations for the world?

2. "Main Street" is set in a time period where women begin to have freedom and options other than marriage. Analyze the various women who appear in the first several chapters of "Main Street" and how they reflect the time period of the novel.

3. Setting is an important part of any...
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