Moll Flanders | 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 - Preface:

1. How does the novel begin?

2. What apology does the editor make about the content of the book?

3. What is Defoe's stated purpose in presenting this book?

4. What is the purpose of the preface to Moll Flanders?

5. How does the editor compare the novel to dramatic plays of the day?

6. What does the editor claim about Moll's new life in the American colonies?

Short Essay Question - Pages 1-15:

7. As the story opens, why does the...
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