Essay Questions

What circumstance led to the romance between Dr. Rowan and Michael?

Dr. Rowan first met Michael when she went to New Orleans to attend her mother’s funeral. Dr. Rowan knew little about her mother and her close relatives. While in New Orleans, Dr. Rowan met Michael, and she saved him using her physic power when he almost drowned. After the rescue, Dr. Rowan and Michael realized they had unique feelings toward each other, and they fell in love. Later, Dr. Rowan discovered that Michael was her cousin, but that did not stop them from marrying. They later had a child, decided to ignore their family lineage, and moved on with life.

Who is Lasher, and why is he a significant character in The Witching Hour by Anne Rice?

The Mayfair family and Lasher have conflicted for centuries, and the fight continues. Lasher is a malevolent spirit that has troubled the Mayfair family, but currently, he is in spirit without flesh and bones. For Lasher to achieve his evil objectives, he has to transform into a human (Taltos), and the best way to achieve that is through being born to a woman with an odd number of chromosomes. Dr. Rowan Mayfair is aware that Lasher is a dangerous evil spirit, and she tries to fight it without success. Lasher tries to seduce Rowan, but she refuses. However, Lasher finds his way to Rowan’s fetus, and he is born as a baby. Due to his powers, Rowan grows extraordinarily fast, and he becomes a grown-up to exercise his powers. Lasher is a significant character because he aids in developing the theme of evil power and the conflict between the Mayfair family and Taltos.

What is the devastating revelation about Mayfair’s family?

When Dr. Rowan sets her journey to New Orleans, she is prepared to learn the history of her mother and that of her entire family. Dr. Rowan is helped by a researcher called Aaron Lighter to discover her family's background. Dr. Rowan is shocked to learn that her family has a dark history because she belonged to a lineage of Mayfair witches. Dr, Rowan’s mother, was the family matriarch, and now Dr. Rowan must take the mantle and head the family. Despite this disturbing revelation, Dr. Rowan takes the family's leadership, and she is ready to fight her enemies like Lasher.