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107 pages 3 hours read

J. K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, John Tiffany

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Fiction | Play | Middle Grade | Published in 2016

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Essay Topics

1.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is set within the universe of the Harry Potter books, the story taking place after their conclusion. How do you think this impacts the reading of the play, especially for readers unfamiliar with the original lore?

2.

Comment on the symbolism of Hogwarts. What are the varied meanings it holds for different characters in the play?

3.

The play explores the impact of Harry’s legacy on his relationship with Albus. Do you think Harry’s legacy impacts his other children and their relationships differently? Why or why not?

4.

Bane the centaur describes a “black cloud” that he sees hanging around Albus. What do you think it signifies?

5.

Why do you think Delphini chooses the Augurey to symbolize herself? What are the parallels between the magical bird’s qualities and Delphini’s story?

6.

Comment on the role of unresolved trauma in the play. What do Dumbledore’s conversations with Harry reveal about this? How does it affect Harry’s responses and decisions as a father?

7.

Compare and contrast Scorpius’s equation with Draco and his legacy to that of Albus and Harry’s.

8.

The play explores the theme of destiny and free will and the influence of each upon history. Examine how different characters’ motivations, temperaments, and backgrounds influence the events that unfold within the play.

9.

Harry and Hermione both feel like they sometimes fall short as parents. Besides their jobs, do you think other factors contribute to this? Why do you think Ginny and Ron don’t seem to experience the same challenges in parenting?

10.

How do you think the play’s style and structure impact the experience of its story differently for readers, as opposed to a theater audience?

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