The Decameron | 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 - Chapter 1

1. Why have the young people of the novel left Florence and gone into the country?

2. What means of entertainment do the young people devise?

3. Describe the character of Ciappelletto who is put in charge of the affairs of Musciatto Franzesi .

4. What happens to Ciappelletto while staying with two Florentine brothers in Burgundy?

5. What is the quandary the Florentine brothers find themselves in when Ciappelletto becomes so ill?

6. How does Ciappelletto become aware of the brothers' situation?