The Secret History 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. Richard defines his fatal flaw as "a morbid longing for the picturesque at all costs." What does he mean by this? Is he correct? Support your answer.

2. How do Richard and Bunny serve as foils for each other? What qualities does each bring out in the other that are important to the plot of the novel?

3. Setting is often an important element of a novel. Describe the setting of this story. How does the setting affect this novel? Why is it important to the plot?

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