We the Living | 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 - Part One: Chapters I through III

1. Why does Kira think that returning to Petrograd is the start of something wonderful?

2. Why are Alexander and Vasili reluctant to join the Communist Party?

3. Why does Victor say that Kira's wish to become an engineer is inappropriate?

4. How does Kira's family respond to her goal of becoming an engineer?

5. Why does Kira's sister say that Kira always gets her way?

6. In what ways does Kira fail to follow the dictates of society?