1. “Anna is the embodiment of goodness while Mompellion is the embodiment of selfishness.” Do you agree?
2. “Year of Wonders explores how fear can tear apart the lives of individuals and society as a whole.” To what extent do you agree?
3. Who is the real heroine of the novel; Anna Frith or Elinor Mompellion?
4. “Year of Wonders illustrates that some people will react irrationally to people and occurrences that they do not understand.” Discuss.
5. “The characters in Year of Wonders lose faith in humanity, rather than in God.”To what extent do you agree?
6. To what extent are the actions of the characters heroic in Year of Wonders?
7. Is Anna Frith the only flawed hero?
8. Year of Wonders explores human failings in time of crisis’. Discuss
9. “I do not speak lightly of God’s judgment, but on you I say the vials of his wrath will be opened, and a terrible vengeance poured down!” In Brooks’ novel, Year of Wonders, the worst form of punishment comes from within. Discuss.
10. How does Year of Wonders explore notions of punishment and retribution?
11. How does Year of Wonders explore notions of heroism and faith?
12. “Brooks uses cycles throughout the novel, not only in terms of the chapters but also cycles happening to characters.” Discuss
13. Discuss Anna’s mental and spiritual unravelling. What are the pivotal experiences leading to her breakdown and eventual rebirth?
14. “Mompellion’s push for the quarantine reflects his own dark side including the secrets he shared with Elinor.” Discuss.
15. “I wonder if you know how much you have changed.” What caused the changes in Anna?
16. How does Brooks construct a sense of the wonders that took place during the plague year?
17. “In Year of Wonders all characters who survive the plague emerge transformed.” Discuss.
18. “Year of Wonders is a story of great courage in the face of extreme adversity.” Discuss.
19. How does Brooks convey a sense of time and place in Year of