The Cruel Prince

Consider Holly Black’s use of first-person perspective in her story. How does the perspective of Jude limit the awareness of the audience? How is Black able to build suspense and evoke emotion in the reader through this limited perspective? In what way is Black able to mislead her audience by using Jude’s perspective?

Teaching Suggestion: Students may find it beneficial to analyze the novel based on beliefs Jude has toward specific individuals in the novel. For example, students might begin by creating a list of characters whom Jude misunderstands in some way, making note of the actions or details that mislead Jude—and consequently mislead the reader.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who benefit from additional support with analysis may find it helpful to analyze a select, representative portion of the story, such as a list of prepared quotes or a curated list of chapters. 

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Riddles and Omens”

In this activity, students will capitalize on the use of omens and riddles in the novel to create predictions for The Wicked King, the sequel to The Cruel Prince.

Dain is told he will not become king if his son, Oak, lives.