Practical Magic
Practical Magic
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Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of physical abuse, emotional abuse, and death.
General Impressions
Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.
1. Were you familiar with Practical Magic, perhaps from the film adaptation, before reading the novel? How did it compare with your expectations?
2. Which Owens woman did you identify with the most, and why?
3. Compare this novel to Hoffman’s later installments in the franchise, such as The Rules of Magic. How did she expand this story world through deeper exploration?
Personal Reflection and Connection
Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.
1. The Owens family is the subject of intense local social and cultural stigma. Have you ever experienced this type of prejudice? How did you manage it?
2. The novel illustrates the power and damage of an abusive dynamic through Gillian's relationship with Jimmy. How does this representation enter into conversation about the nuances and dynamics of abusive relationships? Why do you think Gillian invested so much of herself in an abusive relationship? If she had asked you for advice, what would you have told her?
3. The novel presents romantic love as something that is precarious and ultimately damaging. How does this assessment reflect or diverge from your own perspective on love?
4. Kylie undergoes a coming-of-age journey of dramatic change. Which of your own coming-of-age experiences do you see reflected in this character?
Societal and Cultural Context
Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.
1. How does the New England setting shape the way this story develops? How does this representation contribute to literary representations of New England, and how does it build on past representations?
2. Practical Magic is an overtly female-led book. How does the novel engage with and subvert traditional gender stereotypes and dynamics? Reading the novel decades after its publication in 1995, are there any representations in the novel that have shifted meaning or become outdated? What remains true?
3. Discuss the novel's representations of beauty and aging. How does it critique the beauty industry and societal attitudes toward women aging?
Literary Analysis
Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.
1. Compare and contrast the three sets of siblings in the novel. What elements do they have in common, and how is each set unique?
2. Which Owens woman undergoes the most dramatic change? Explore the tools the author uses to shape their character arc.
3. The plant that Gillian uses as a sedative is called belladonna, which means “beautiful woman”. What is the symbolic significance of this plant in the novel?
4. Discuss the role of Gary in the novel. Why did the author choose to bring him in so late into the story? How does the novel change once he becomes part of it?
Creative Engagement
Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.
1. Watch the film adaptation of this book, then discuss the main differences. Why do you think the production made such substantial changes to the story? Do these benefit the story or detract from it?
2. Choose a song that best represents each central character, then discuss your choices. Which genre of music do you think would appeal the most to each character? Why do the lyrics in your chosen song reflect their stories and/or personalities?
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