Shadow of Night

What is the narrative purpose of changes in point of view from Diana’s first-person point of view and the omniscient third-person point of view in the 21st century? How do they help the reader think about The Complex Nature of Time?

Matthew and Diana have knowledge of the future that could significantly alter the course of history. Write an essay about whether you think Matthew and Diana used the power of their knowledge about the past responsibly. Be sure to substantiate your opinion with textual evidence.

Diana’s character develops majorly in this novel, as she realizes she is a weaver. How does Diana change during her visit to the past? What were the biggest external influences in her evolution? How do these changes affect her relationship with Matthew over time?

Pick one historical character from the novel and research their historical persona. What are the differences between the real figure and their representation in the novel? What aspects of their biography do you think influenced Harkness’s depiction?

Diana and Matthew’s main motivation to timewalk was to find Ashmole 782 and learn its secrets, to help the reproduction crisis creatures face in the 21st century. To what extent do you think they achieved their goal? Did Ashmole 782 serve the purpose they intended, and why or why not? What did they gain from their time travel?

How do Annie and Jack change Diana and Matthew’s lives? What does it foreshadow?

Write an essay about Matthew’s character progression through the novel, specifically as it relates to working through his traumas. What are the major plot points that assist him in his growth, and how does he change?

In this novel, Diana finds out both that her magic is fueled by curiosity and that she has powers over life and death. This revelation was foreshadowed many times throughout A Discovery of Witches and Shadow of Night. Using evidence from both books, write an essay about how and when this was foreshadowed.