Six Plays 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 - The Children's Hour, Act 1

1. "The Children's Hour" was author Lillian Hellman's first play. Who did she dedicate it to?

2. Describe the Wright-Dobie School for Girls.

3. Who is Lily Mortar?

4. Why does Martha believe that Karen is letting the school "go to hell"?

Short Essay Question - The Children's Hour, Act 2

5. What happens with the students at the school in Act II of "The Children's Hour"?

6. Who tells Mrs. Tilford that Mary is a strange and bad girl and...
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