Typee: A Peep at Polynesian Life [Edited by George Woodcock] | 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 - Chapters 1, and 2, pp. 1-20

1. What is Tommo's situation at the beginning of "Typee"?

2. What is life like on the whaling ship for Tommo?

3. Describe the island of Nukuheva.

4. What does Tommo see as his ship comes into Nukuheva bay?

Short Essay Question - Chapters 3, and 4, pp. 21-41

5. Describe the French efforts to take over the harbor of Nukuheva.

6. Describe the incident with the French and the English missionaries.

7. How does Tommo...
(read more)