author and triathleteDiscussion Questions for The Princess and the Hound
1. Why do horses continue to have their own language after domestication with humans, but hounds do not?
2. How did you feel when George makes no judgment for the man with animal magic, when he is twelve? How do you feel when he makes the proclamation at the end?
3. When did you guess the truth about Beatrice and Marit? Talk with others about when they guessed the truth.
4. Do you feel sorry for Dr. Gharn? Why or why not?
5. What statement do you think the book is making about war? What do different characters say and do about war?
6. How does Sir Stephen develop as a character throughout the book?
7. What does King Davit learn from George about love?
8. Compare King Davit and King Helm as fathers.
9. Discuss the first meeting with Beatrice. What did you think of her? How does your impression of her change?
10. Think of the way that women in society are presented, for example, Lady Kittle or Lady Dulen. How do women treat each other and why?
11. Discuss George's friendships with Peter and then with Henry. What has he learned?
12. If you were to write a sequel to this book, what would you want to include?
13. In what ways do you think that people with special abilities are treated as if they have animal magic?
14. How do you feel about King Richon's punishment for refusing to listen to the wild man?