The Optimist's Daughter | 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 - Part 1, Chapter 1

1. Why does Laurel fly to New Orleans?

2. Why does Judge chose a doctor in New Orleans rather than one close to home?

3. Describe Judge McKelva.

4. Describe Fay.

5. What problem does Dr. Courtland find with Judge's eyes and is it serious?

6. In Chapter 1, what causes the tensions between Laurel and Fay?

Short Essay Question - Part 1, Chapter 2

7. In Chapter 2, what does Fay complain about while waiting for Judge to...
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