74 pages 2 hours read

Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011

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Introduction

The Night Circus

  • Genre: Fiction; historical fantasy
  • Originally Published: 2011
  • Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 950L; college/adult
  • Structure/Length: 5 parts; approx. 391 pages; approx. 13 hours, 40 minutes on audio
  • Protagonist/Central Conflict: Celia and Marco, two young magicians with Le Cirque des Rêves, are locked in a fierce competition where there can be only one winner. When they fall in love, they set off a series of events that have dangerous consequences for everyone involved.
  • Potential Sensitivity Issues: Child abuse, suicide, death of a parent, animal death, fantasy violence, alcoholism, physical abuse

Erin Morgenstern, Author

  • Bio: Born in 1978; American artist and author; studied theater and studio art at Smith College; created the Phantomwise tarot deck; was rejected by 30 literary agents before signing with Inkwell Management; has participated in National Novel Writing Month since 2003; lives in New York City
  • Other Works: The Starless Sea (2019)
  • Awards: Dragon Award for Best Fantasy Novel (2020); Alex Award (2012); Locus Award for Best First Novel (2012)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

  • The Passage of Time
  • Good Versus Evil
  • Free Will

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:

  • Develop an understanding of the social and historical contexts regarding the concept of free will that impact Celia and Marco’s conflict.