They say the only thing we have to fear is fear itself, and this idea applies to Witch and Wizard in two important ways. The first is that the oppressive government, the New Order, uses fear to keep its hold on power; citizens are so afraid to step out of line that they let the N.O. get away with just about anything. The second is that the N.O. itself is afraid. Specifically, they're afraid of kids who are different. At the children's prison, Whit and Wisty realize that the guards are afraid, and when they do, they use this information to overtake the facility. Ha.
Questions About Fear
- Why do you think the New Order fears people who are different? What's at stake? Be specific, please, and give evidence from the text.
- Do you think the citizens of the City of Progress seem afraid? Why or why not?
- Which part of the book did you find most frightening? Why?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
In Witch and Wizard, fear is used as a tool of oppression.
In Witch and Wizard, the child rebels learn to use fear as a tool.