51 pages 1-hour read

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2009

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Essay Topics

1.

One of the overarching themes of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is that of magic versus science. Which does William believe in and why? 

2.

How does William’s view of the world—and Malawi—change when he first sees the map?

3.

William finally finds his place in the world while flying to the TED conference. How does this discovery impact his life afterward?

4.

How does Khamba influence William’s life and outlook on the rest of the world?

5.

In addition to earning publicity for his windmill, why is William’s radio interview groundbreaking for him? 

6.

Which of Trywell’s lessons was most important for William and why? 

7.

Which of William’s friends has the biggest impact on his life, and why?

8.

When Chief Wimbe is beaten by Muzuli’s thugs, the whole village is upset. Why did they take his beating personally?

9.

What do Jeremiah and William have in common? How are they different?

10.

Why is the bicycle dynamo important to William? What does it represent? 

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