The Dark Is Rising

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What is an example of a myth, fairytale, or legend that is especially important or meaningful to you? What conflict is central to the story?

Teaching Suggestion: Myth, legend, and fairytale–especially those that are part of English, Irish and Scottish culture–are important elements of the story. They make the world of the novel feel familiar and believable to the reader. It may be beneficial to introduce the theme of The Reality and Timelessness of Myth as students discuss the legends, myths, and fairytales they know.

• "Differences Between Myths, Legends, Folktales, & Fairytales": This video explores the specific differences between myths, legends, and fairytales.

2. What are some responsibilities adults have that children don’t have to worry about?

Teaching Suggestion: Eleven is very young for a person to take on the responsibility to save the world (as Will must do). Each step he takes toward being an Old One (adult) is accompanied by some new and seemingly overwhelming challenge from the Dark. Discussing and analyzing the topic of responsibility might help students to establish a pre-reading connection to Will’s situation.