Spunk Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. Compare and contrast the characters of Joe and Spunk. How are their lives different? How are the characters the same?

2. How does the setting of Hurston's book contribute to the story and the reader's experiences?

3. How would you describe the development of the relationship between Lena and Spunk? Why do you think Lena becomes so quickly attached to him? What benefits do both characters derive from the relationship?

4. Identify the concept of a tragic hero (or heroine). Describe one character in Hurston's book that you think can be described as a...
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