A Discovery of Witches

Matthew writes his All Souls single word essay on “desire.” He argues that fear and desire are the two most powerful motivating forces in the world. How do these two emotions influence people? How have fear and desire shaped Matthew’s life? How have they shaped Diana’s life?

In several chapters, Harkness changes the narrative point of view from Diana’s first person to the third person. Why? What is the effect of this change on the reader? What ties these chapters together?

When Diana learns about the covenant, she thinks that Ysabeau and Sarah are not “bigots” (275), but instead simply following its rules. Diana believes this makes it easier to forgive their prejudices. Do you agree? Why or why not?