The Loneliness of the Long-distance Runner 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. What do the stories say about life in northern England in pre-war Britain? How does northern England differ from southern England? What conflicts are there between the two areas and why?

2. Why was suicide seen as a criminal offense in England? What lead to suicide becoming legalized?

3. Why do so many of the characters in the book have a problem with authority figures? In what way do their problems with authority figures hold them back?

4. How was paediphilia viewed in fifties Britain? How would the authorities deal with someone like Jim...
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