The Golden Compass Essay Questions

When spreading news of the escape plan to the children at Bolvangar, Lyra “marvels at the effect that hope can have.” Using examples, discuss the effect that hope has had on Lyra’s own journey.

Hope is a powerful antidote to fear. Whenever Lyra is in a difficult situation, she tends to focus on bright possibilities in the future. This gives her the strength to confront the difficulties of the present. When Lyra is in London the hope of a journey north keeps her motivated. When a Samoyed arrow strikes John Faa, Lyra maintains hope that he hasn’t been wounded severely. When Mrs. Coulter arrives at Bolvangar, Lyra realizes that she feels an overwhelming fear of the leader of the Oblation Board. Even so, she forces herself to think of the gyptian rescue party that is on its way. This gives her hope as well as the strength to carry on.

How does Pullman use Lyra’s relationship with Pantalaimon as a literary device?

Pantalaimon is Lyra’s dæmon, and therefore expresses what is most true in Lyra’s inner self. At the same time, Pantalaimon serves as a foil for Lyra’s internal conflicts. This is because he argues with, and sometimes struggles against, Lyra’s own motives. Sometimes this means that Pantalaimon expresses fear and caution while Lyra shows bravery. At other times it means that Pantalaimon pushes Lyra forward despite her fears.

Why does Lyra feel that she could never accept Mrs. Coulter as her mother?

Lyra dislikes Mrs. Coulter’s actions as the head of the Oblation Board. But on a deeper level, Lyra feels she could never accept Mrs. Coulter as her mother because Mrs. Coulter’s dæmon once attacked Pantalaimon. Lyra feels whatever happens to Pantalaimon personally and viscerally. Therefore, she will never forget the feeling of Mrs. Coulter’s golden monkey attacking her. Furthermore, Pullman contrasts Mrs. Coulter’s evil intentions and cruelty with her “sweet” and charming voice and manner of being. This contrast produces an uneasy dissonance for Lyra whenever she thinks of Mrs. Coulter.

Serafina Pekkala explains to Lee Scoresby that whether they know it or not, the whole world is involved in a deadly war. She says “We have no more choice in that than in whether or not to be born.” Did Lyra have a choice to follow her destiny? Why or why not?

In the first scene of The Golden Compass, Lyra decides to stay hidden in the Retiring Room even though Pantalaimon begs her to leave. Ever since that moment, Lyra seems to be compelled toward her destiny in the North as if by the force of gravity. Later, Lyra and Pantalaimon imagine that if they had left the Retiring Room and let the Master kill Lord Asriel, maybe none of this would have happened. However, the alethiometer tells the Master that Lyra’s involvement is inevitable. Moreover, the witches’ prophecy hints that Lyra’s destiny is to save the world. In this way, it seems that while Lyra continues to make her own decisions, she has no choice but to follow her greater destiny, as Serafina indicates.

Lyra often lies, and eventually lying becomes a matter of habit for her. Is lying always wrong, according to The Golden Compass? Use examples.

Lyra’s world is controlled by powerful institutions that inflict suffering on others, particularly children. When Lyra lies, she is often protecting herself from those institutions. For example, when she arrives at Bolvangar, she lies about her identity in order to protect herself. This lie ultimately enables her to save many children from being severed from their dæmons. At the same time, because Lyra lies so frequently, the moments when she tells the truth become particularly significant. They indicate a relationship of deep trust with the other person. For example, Lyra never lies to John Faa, Farder Coram, Ma Costa, Iorek Byrnison, or Serafina Pekkala. Lyra matches her ability to lie when necessary with her ability to be completely sincere and honest to those who deserve her honesty.