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59 pages 1 hour read

Lev Grossman

The Magicians

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009

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Essay Topics

1.

Throughout the story there are reminders of how unhappy Quentin was in his life before being invited to study at Brakebills. Explain the reasons for his unhappiness.

2.

Quentin believes that magic will open the door to a world full of wonders and adventures, a world far more fulfilling than the real world. Does Grossman's depiction of magic throughout the novel lend credence to Quentin's belief, or does magic wind up being different than what Quentin expected? 

3.

Is The Beast/Chatwin purely villainous, or does Grossman make him more well-rounded than that? Use three examples from the text to support your answer.

4.

Discuss the Fillory series, plotting out how Grossman moves the world of Fillory from a work of fiction in a fictional story to an actual place in the novel’s world. What are the effects of doing this, both for the characters and for readers? 

5.

Which character among the Brakebills alum are you most drawn to, and why? Use specific examples from the novel. 

6.

How does Quentin’s idealism help him, and how does it hinder him?

7.

Would you rather live in New York City of Fillory? Defend your position using examples from the text.

8.

Do you have sympathy for Quentin throughout the text, or are there moments where his actions or inaction make him less than likable?

9.

Perform a character study of one of the other main characters in The Magicians aside from Quentin. What role or archetype does this character seem to fulfill? 

10.

What does Grossman seem to be saying about magic’s place in the world?

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