Meeting Details: meeting at Danielle's house on Thursday, May 2nd at 7:30pm. Discussion to begin at 8 pm.
Discussion Questions:
1. Did you enjoy the book? Why or why not?
2. Who is your favourite character in the story and why?
3. Lootie, the nurse, is responsible for taking care of Irene. Describe their relationship and explain why MacDonald included Lootie's character in the story.
4. In the big battle scene, the goblins almost capture Lootie rather than Irene, their intended victim. What is the significance of this?
5. Besides Lootie, the other adult female in the story is Curdie's mother. Compare the function of Curdie's mother in the story to that of Lootie and Grandmother.
6. Explain what the goblins are (how they turned into goblins). Why are they so angry? What do they hate? What is their plan for revenge?
7. Though the goblins are ruthless, they are also clever and even witty. Why does MacDonald give them this combination of characteristics? Does their wittiness make them less forceful as villains?
8. Besides the goblins' wit, what other examples of humor are there in the story? Is such humor appropriate in a story that has a serious theme?
9. There are several themes running through The Princess and the Goblin, such as the importance of courage and belief. What do you think Curdie learns by the end of the story?
10. What do you imagine would have happened to Princess Irene if she hadn't been saved from the goblins?
11. Are there any other books that you can think of which have been influenced by this fairy tale?
12. Does any part of the story (or any of its characters) remind you of another book? Explain your comparison.
13. Would you recommend this book? Why or why not?
Menu Ideas: Famous Welsh Foods
In Wales, they have a strong tradition of living off the land, stretching back as far as the ancient Celts. Food has historically been simple wholesome fare – thrifty dishes made with just a few simple, quality ingredients. This was fuel designed to satisfy the hearty appetites of those working the land: farmers, quarry workers, coal miners and fishermen.
Although the book does not specify a geographical location, but some can tell from the landscape descriptions that it is set in Wales (ahem, Em). So we will travel to that part of the world and create dishes that will satisfy our potential mining urges.
Here are a few suggestions:
Drinks will be provided by Danielle
I'm planning to be there and I'll make the Bara Brith bread.
ReplyDeleteI am also planning on being there, will bring some scones and jam.
ReplyDeleteI am makimg Cornish pasties
ReplyDelete