49 pages • 1 hour read
The Hypnotists
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Essay Topics
Examine how the novel portrays the connection between language and hypnosis in the novel. How does Jax’s evolving relationship with language reflect his understanding of and control over his hypnotic abilities? How does this influence his identity and interactions with others?
Analyze the role of father figures in the novel. How do Dr. Mako and Axel Braintree function like parental influences in Jax’s life? How do they compare to Jax’s real father? Use specific evidence from the text to support your answer.
How does Jax’s hypnotic power impact his self-esteem and personal identity? Consider how his power shapes his sense of self-worth and relationships with other characters.
Analyze Jax’s relationship with his best friend, Tommy. How does their relationship change throughout the novel? How does this friendship differ from Jax’s relationships with other characters?
How does the author structure the plot of The Hypnotists? How do the exposition, rising action, climax, and falling action work together to develop the story’s themes and character arcs? What are the key turning points, and how do they propel the plot forward?
Discuss the role of humor in this novel. When does Korman employ humor, and how does it enhance the story? When does he use a more serious tone, and what is the purpose of this shift?
Analyze the point of view in this novel. How does the decision to see most of the story from Jax’s perspective influence understanding of the plot and characters? What insights emerge when Korman shifts to other characters’ perspectives, and how do these shifts affect the story?
Discuss the ethics of hypnosis depicted in the novel. What arguments does the novel present about the morality of hypnotic influence? How does Jax grapple with these tensions and ethical concerns?
What message about power and democracy does Korman present in the novel? How does Korman use the election subplot to explore themes of power and the democratic process? What connections can one draw between the novel’s depiction of political manipulation and real-world elections?
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By Gordon Korman
