The Philadelphia Story | 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 - Act 1 Part 1

1. What is the setting and major upcoming event established as the play opens?

2. How is the demeanor of the Lord family displayed in Act 1, Part 1?

3. What does the audience learn about Tracy's first marriage in the first part of Act 1?

4. How are Tracy's high standards alluded to in the beginning of the play, and why are they important?

5. How do Tracy and Margaret's marriages compare, and what is the difference between how the two look at them?