The Golden Compass

Oxford is a real place, but Pullman makes it evident that this is not the reader’s world. How does he accomplish this, and what tone does this establish for the story?

Describe the culture of the gyptians and how this shapes their role in the story.

What is a dæmon’s role, and how do dæmons drive the story forward?

How would you describe the arc of Lyra and Mrs. Coulter’s relationship over the course of the novel, and why? Use specific examples from the text to support your response.

How would you characterize the tone of the third-person narrator, and how does that lens shape the story?

Choose one of the following secondary/tertiary characters and analyze their role in the story: Lord John Faa, Roger, Iorek, Ma Costa, or Serafina.

How does Pullman use lore and fantastical elements to build the story’s world? Some topics you may consider analyzing are the gobblers, the alethiometer, the armored bears, or the Oblation Board. You may choose another piece of lore or fantasy element not listed here, but regardless of your selection, be sure to use textual evidence to support your response.

Who is the primary antagonist of the story, and how do they shape Lyra’s journey? Use evidence from the text to support your response.