Margret Howth: A Story of To-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 overall setting for the story. Why does Davis use the setting she does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

2. Create a brief character study on Margret. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her--if anything--at this point in her life?

3. Explain the role of married women in the 1860s. Conversely, what was the normal role of...
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