The Unquiet Earth: A Novel 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: The Ice Breaks 1930s

1. Who is Dillon Freeman and why does he idolize his dead father?

2. Who is Rachel Honaker and what are her feelings for Dillon?

3. Why does Rachel's mother not want Rachel to marry Dillon?

4. What is Fiona's interest in the Kentucky Derby?

Short Essay Question - Chapter 2: Rat's Alley 1939-1944

5. What reasons do Dillon and Fiona have for not wanting Rachel to go away to nursing school?

6. Who is Tony Angelelli?