The Ickabog

Although Bert and Daisy are friends, they initially find themselves at odds. Describe their differences in temperament and approaches to the Ickabog crisis.

What do food and clothing symbolize in the novel? Give examples of how these material items are viewed constructively and destructively.

Although Spittleworth and Flapoon act as co-conspirators, they are very different men. Describe each one. How are they similar? How do they differ?

Greed and duplicity are Spittleworth’s chief methods for attaining his ends. Think of several examples of how he uses each of these tactics. Do they ever fail him?

Both Major Roach and Ma Grunter are Spittleworth’s allies. What unites them in serving his lordship? How do their methods of enforcement differ?

An army of henchfolk is employed by Spittleworth. Think of three examples of underlings whose activities advance the plot.

King Fred is neither a clear-cut villain nor a clear-cut hero. How does he change over the course of the novel, and why?

Why do you think the Ickabog is the book’s best symbol of the struggle between hope and fear?