The First and Second Discourses: By Jean-Jacques Rousseau 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 - Introduction

1. According to the Introduction, what has Jean-Jacques Rousseau inspired?

2. What is the most popular form of government in 18th century France and how is it described?

3. What are three main influences on Rousseau's work, according to the Introduction?

4. What does the First Discourse argue?

5. What does the Second Discourse focus on?

6. According to the Introduction, what does the First Discourse seek to prove?

7. What does Rousseau argue about his society according to the Introduction?