The Plague 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. What is the main function of the city of Oran?

2. In what era is the story set?

Short Essay Question - Part 1: Chapter 2

3. What is Dr. Rieux worried about in Chapter 2?

4. Who is Raymond Rambert?

Short Essay Question - Part 1: Chapter 3

5. Who is Jean Tarrou?

6. Why is Jean Tarrou important in the story?

Short Essay Question - Part 1: Chapter 4

7. Why is Cottard questioned by the police?