Inkheart

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. The Shadow represents Capricorn’s evil, but the Shadow is turned against him.

• Why does Capricorn want to summon the Shadow?
• Describe how the Shadow is made to feel remorse and regret for its actions by Fenoglio’s words, which Meggie reads aloud.
• In your concluding sentence(s), describe the array of beings that are produced when the Shadow vanishes and its victims are brought back to life.

2. Explore the enigmatic character of Dustfinger.

• Despite Dustfinger’s betrayals and deception, overall is he characterized as a likable individual?
• Describe the times Dustfinger has demonstrated either loyalty or betrayal.
• In your concluding sentence, consider whether Dustfinger’s difficult situation (stranded in a world that he hates) justifies his wrongdoing.

3. Describe the differences between Basta and Dustfinger.

• How do Basta and Dustfinger operate as foils of one another?
• Describe Basta and Dustfinger’s respective attitudes toward reading, fairies, and violence.
• In your concluding sentence(s), reflect on Dustfinger’s choice not to kill Basta in the prison cell. How does it reveal Dustfinger’s strength and compassion, even though Basta believes it demonstrates weakness?

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Funke uses literacy and illiteracy as a characterization tool to denote those characters who are brutal and “unintelligent,” compared with those who are compassionate, intelligent, and curious. This relates to the theme of The Power of Literature. Which characters are illiterate? Describe their beliefs and behaviors. Compare these characters to the literate characters and describe their beliefs and behaviors. How does Funke use these characters to suggest that a love of reading has a positive impact on an individual?  

2. Elinor’s character develops through the course of the novel, which relates to the theme of The Complexities of Loyalty. How is Elinor represented as snobbish and cold, particularly toward Meggie, at the beginning of the novel? Describe the instances of love and bravery that Elinor shows to Mo, Meggie, and Resa through the course of the novel. In your conclusion, describe Elinor’s busy home at the end of the novel and contrast this with her earlier solitude.

3. Meggie matures significantly through the novel, and Maturing Through the Hero’s Journey is an important theme explored by Funke. How does Meggie’s response to the disruption in her and Mo’s life reveal her immaturity in the opening chapters? Describe the stressful and terrifying events, through which Meggie demonstrates composure and bravery. How is her later maturity evident, particularly during her reading in the arena?