Serafina and the Black Cloak

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the novel over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Suspense is an important part of any mystery. An author increases suspense through setting, mood, action, and plot twists.

• What is one strong way that Robert Beatty increases suspense throughout Serafina and the Black Cloak? (topic sentence)
• What are three scenes in Chapters 1-23 in which this suspense-building technique is used? Describe details from the text to discuss how the suspense increases overall as a result of these scenes.
• Finally, identify in your concluding sentence or sentences the climactic scene (high point of suspense) in the novel, and explain what makes it the most suspenseful.

2. Parent-child relationships in this novel are complex. Pa and Serafina have a parent-child relationship, for example, although they are not actual kin; the Vanderbilts serve as parent-like guardians to Braeden; Leandra never knew Serafina but shows a mother’s love immediately on recognizing her.

• What overall message (theme) comes across about parent-child relationships though these characters? (topic sentence)
• What actions, events, or circumstances contribute to that overall message? Refer to details from the story.
• Finally, identify in your concluding sentence or sentences which parent-child relationship is the most interesting to you, and your reasons for your choice.

3. The statue of the angel in the clearing bears this inscription: “OUR CHARACTER ISN’T DEFINED/BY THE BATTLES WE WIN OR LOSE,/BUT BY THE BATTLES WE DARE TO FIGHT” (139).

• What does this inscription mean, in your own words? (topic sentence)
• Besides the battle Serafina fights with the Man in the Black Cloak, describe 3 other “battles” (literal or figurative; external or internal) that Serafina or other characters fight in the novel. Cite actions, events, or lines to support your ideas.
• How do Serafina’s skills and courage combine to help her in battle? In your concluding sentence or sentences, discuss the connection between courage and the inscription’s meaning.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Setting is crucial in this story for atmosphere, imagery, and themes of secrets and power. How is the setting of Biltmore and the surrounding forest also crucial to the plot? Imagine how the premise (idea) of this story might work in a completely different setting (such as a city or a neighborhood) and share your thoughts. Use details from the text in each of your main points.

2. In a traditional coming-of-age story, a character (typically a child or teen, but not always) experiences challenges that bring them to a new level of maturity, a new understanding of their place in the world, or both. How does Serafina’s coming-of-age experience fit this description? How is her coming-of-age experience different from other stories you have read in which the adolescent protagonist comes of age (especially stories that are not fantasy)? Why does this still quality as a coming-of-age novel? Consider Serafina’s identity, skills, courage, and questions about self-discovery in your response. Use story details in your response to support your ideas.

3. Serafina displays an interesting mix of both instinct and careful decision-making. Ultimately, does the novel suggest that one or the other (instinct or thoughtful decision-making) is a wiser choice? Formulate a thesis on this topic and explore the following in your main points: In which scenes does Serafina utilize one or the other, or both? What other characters pursue actions based on instinct, and which character decisions represent thoughtful, careful, logically-minded choices? How do skills and courage impact instinct and decision-making? Be sure to reference story details to support your ideas.