The Amulet of Samarkand

Examine the evolving relationship between Nathaniel and Bartimaeus. How do their interactions reflect larger themes of power, control, and, eventually, mutual respect?

Analyze the function of the footnotes in Bartimaeus’s narrative. How do they contribute to Stroud’s world building, the characters’ development, and the reader’s experience?

How does Nathaniel’s sense of belonging shift throughout the novel? Discuss how his displacement affects his identity, his ambitions, and his relationship with others. How does the notion of being “unformed” as a child shape his character and ability to belong?

Explore how the lack of affection and emotional bonds in Nathaniel’s life influence his actions and decisions. How does his emotional detachment or attachment impact his character arc?

Discuss how historical grievances between magicians and spirits perpetuate cycles of hatred and conflict in the story. How does Stroud use these histories to add nuance to the ideas of power in the narrative?

Analyze the role of mentorship in the novel by contrasting Nathaniel’s relationship with Arthur with Simon’s relationship with Schyler. How do these relationships come to influence the apprentices and their character development?

Examine the parallels between the ruling class of magicians in Stroud’s society and real-world historical British hierarchies. How does the author use these parallels to comment on issues of power, control, and exploitation?

Explore Stroud’s use of different narration styles in this book, specifically Bartimaeus’s in his position as both servant and narrator. How does his unique perspective add nuance to systemic inequalities in a society led by magicians?