The Screaming Staircase

Lockwood’s home is the setting for many of the novel’s key events. How does 35 Portland Row act as an extension of Lockwood’s personality, and what do the vivid descriptions of its many secrets and fascinations add to the mood and imagery of the story? Select and analyze at least three to four quotes from the text to prove your point.

The novel’s protagonist, Lucy, has faced more in her young life than many do in a lifetime. In what ways is Lucy beyond her years, how did she come to be this way, and how do her actions and thoughts occasionally remind the reader that she’s still a child? Be sure to discuss at least three examples from the novel.

How does Jonathan Stroud create an ongoing sense of eeriness and suspense throughout the novel, and why does he choose to weave humor throughout the horror? Why might children be drawn to ghosts and other horror stories?

Lockwood is determined to Make a Name for Self and Family. Why is Lockwood so devoted to his company, how does he demonstrate his devotion, and what does this say about him overall?

Is The Screaming Staircase a post-apocalyptic novel? Why or why not? Choose an established post-apocalyptic novel from popular literature and compare and contrast its main elements with that of Stroud’s novel to support your opinion.

How does the friendship between Lucy and George evolve throughout the novel, and what events lead to the changes that occur between them? Identify at least three separate stages of their relationship and use examples from the text to illustrate your discussion.

How does the opening scene of the novel set the stage for the conflicts and challenges that Lucy and the others will face during their first weeks together as a team?

As discussed, Stroud often juxtaposes light and dark imagery throughout the novel. Identify at least three different symbolic interpretations for light, and three for dark, as employed throughout the novel. Conduct close readings of key quotations other than those presented in the guide to structure your discussion.