The Dark Is Rising | 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 One: The Finding; Midwinter's Eve

1. In the opening chapter, Midwinter's Eve, how does the author use Mr. Dawson to foreshadow events that happen to Will later that night?

2. In what ways does Mr. Dawson provide clues to both Will and the reader that Will is more than he seems and that things are going to be different for Will?

3. How does the author demonstrate that something strange is happening to Will?

4. How does the animals' behavior foreshadow what happens to the tramp in the woods?