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Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones




 A Better Book Club Questions-March 2023

 Howl's Moving Castle

 by Diana Wynne Jones





General Discussion Questions

1.  The author, Diana Wynne Jones had written 30 fantasy books, many of them award-winning,  prior to writing Howl's Moving Castle.  Jones said the idea for the book came directly from a young child in a school she was visiting who asked her to write a story about a moving castle.   What is it about this particular story that even today, continues to resonate with the public, inspiring a much-revered animation film and companion soundtrack?   As an adult, did the story hold any magic for you?   

2. The characters are related in many ways to each other. Which relationships are key to the book, in your opinion. 

3. Why do you think the Witch of Waste chose to curse Sophie with old age instead of turning her into a turnip?  

4. How does the fact of being prematurely aged affect Sophie and her perception of herself? Does the experience influence her understanding of the world or of other people? 

5. Sophie remarks throughout the book that she is a failure, and that this comes from being the eldest of three. Do you agree with her assessment from the perspectives both of real-world experience and of fairy tale convention? Why or why not? What does her comment tell you about her personality?

6. In Chapter 2, Sophie and Martha express two completely different views of Fanny's character and actions. Why do you think they hold such different opinions? What do their opinions tell you about Fanny and themselves?

7. In Chapter 9 Michael and Sophie almost succeed in catching a falling star. Why does the experience affect them so deeply? How does this scene relate to other scenes or characters in the novel?

8. Howl seems very eager to have Sophie, posing as his mother, meet his old teacher, Mrs. Pentstemmon. Why do you think it is so important to him? What does Sophie learn from the encounter, and how does this knowledge help her to understand herself and her relationship with Howl?

9. When Howl decides to move Calcifer and his real home from Porthaven to Market Chipping, he ends up in Sophie's old house. How is this significant, and what does it symbolize?

10. The author juxtaposes two powerful images in Chapter 17, that of the Waste, which the witch inhabits, and that of an Edenic garden, planted by the Royal Wizard Suliman before he disappeared. What do the two mean, and why are they so close together? What do the places reveal about the characters associated with them?

11.  Does Howl really avoid responsibility or just give the impression that he is avoiding it?   

12. Who is the real master of the Moving Castle, Howl or Calcifer?

13.  If you had a magical door, what are 3 places you would choose to visit? 


  

The Arabian Nights: Tales of a Thousand and One Nights

by Sir. Richard F. Burton


BONUS ROUND TABLE BOOK SHARE






Roundtable Share:  Please answer the following 3 questions based on your specific assigned story with the book.   

1:  Provide a very brief summary of the story you were assigned, noting any significant characters and their actions. 

2.  Is there a moral or lesson to the story?

3.  Is there any takeaways from the story that would be applicable in today's world? 


The Seven Voyages of Sinbad and the Sailor:  Ann B. 

The Three Apples:  Julie

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves:  Kim

Abu Hasan and the Fart:  Shannon

The Thief of Alexandria and the Chief of Police:  Anne McD

The Ebony Horse:  Jessica

The Fisherman and the Jinnee:  Janet

Aladdin and the Magic Lamp:  Lindsey


Bonus feature:  Howl's Moving Castle Music Theme Song


Bonus feature:  Arabian Nights Music (to get you in the mood!)








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