Kneeknock Rise

In what ways does Kneeknock Rise engage directly or indirectly with the idea of religious belief and communities of faith? What insight does the novel offer into the relationship between science and religion?

How does Egan’s journey up the mountain mirror the classic hero’s journey of discovery? In what ways does Babbitt subvert elements of the hero’s journey?

How does the author’s use of poetic language add to the mythical and mysterious atmosphere of the story? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

How does Babbitt’s portrayal of the Megrimum and the townspeople’s devotion to it nuance the novel’s thematic exploration of The Need for Mystery in Everyday Life?

What do Uncle Ott’s poems communicate about The Pain of Knowledge Versus the Comfort of Ignorance, and how do the poems build on each other as the narrative progresses? What, if anything, would the story lose if these poems were omitted?

Discuss the significance of Annabelle in the story. How does she act as both a character and a symbol?

Explore How Folklore Shapes Communities. Why might myths and legends have been such an integral aspect of medieval societies? Is the role of folklore different in contemporary communities?

Compare and contrast Kneeknock Rise with other children’s novels that incorporate elements of oral tradition, such as Kate Milford’s Greenglass House or Virginia Hamilton’s The People Could Fly. What elements of Babbitt’s novel make the story distinct?