60 pages • 2 hours read
Inheritance
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Book Club Questions
General Impressions
Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.
1. How does this final book in Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle compare to the first three, Eragon, Eldest, and Brisingr?
2. What plot points and themes from Eragon are resolved in Inheritance? What issues are left unaddressed?
Personal Reflection and Connection
personal experiences.
1. Discuss how the book’s emphasis on The Importance of Empathy relates to your personal views or experience.
2. What forms of power do each of the main characters depict? What aspects of the characters’ use of power do you recognize from situations or people in your own life?
Societal and Cultural Context
Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.
1. What type of political system is depicted in Alagaësia? Does that system share similarities with contemporary Western society?
2. What elements from the book are inspired by real-life historical and cultural references? How does that contribute to the worldbuilding?
3. Discuss how the theme of The Ruinous Effects of Tyranny relates to contemporary issues. What does the book suggest about the importance of self-determination?
Literary Analysis
Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.
1. How does the narrative structure follow and/or subvert the typical Hero’s Journey? To what effect?
2. Discuss the character of Galbatorix as the main antagonist; e.g., how is he depicted? What motivates him? How does he contrast with the protagonists? How does that affect the narrative’s message?
3. Examine the similarities and differences between Eragon and Murtagh. Why do those two characters parallel each other in the narrative?
4. How does Paolini employ typical elements of young adult epic fantasy in his books? Does he fully embrace or partially subvert these tropes?
Creative Engagement
Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.
1. Paolini published a spin-off novel about Murtagh in 2023 to explore Murtagh’s point of view after the events of Inheritance. What other secondary character would you like to know more about, and why? Which part of their life would you rather read about (e.g., their past, their future, or specific moments from The Inheritance Cycle)?
2. If you were a Rider, what personality and appearance would your Dragon have? What would you name them? How would your bond manifest?
3. What do you imagine Eragon and Saphira’s lives to be after the end of the book? What hints does the story give about their possible future?
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By Christopher Paolini
