The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Consider Pellegrina’s story. In what ways is Edward like the princess? In what ways is he different? 

Pellegrina is Abilene’s grandmother and the one who commissioned Edward to be made. However, Edward is convinced that Pellegrina is the witch from her story. Why does he think this? If his idea is true, what effect does it have on the reading of the novel?

Many of the characters throughout the novel are lost but find themselves while with Edward. In the same way, Edward is lost for much of the novel but finds himself through the people he encounters on his journey. With this in mind, pick one of the characters and describe the process of how they are lost and then found.

Consider Bull’s quote from Chapter 13: “[W]e are going nowhere. That, my friend, is the irony of our constant movement” (97). How does this relate to Edward’s experience?

In Chapter 26, the antique doll tells Edward that throughout her 100 years she has learned that “each place is different. And you become a different dollin each place, too” (198). How does Edward change according to the different characters that he meets? Which character changes Edward the most?

Stars are an important symbol throughout the novel. What do the stars symbolize for Edward? 

Edward can think and feel, but he can’t move or speak. Why is this significant? What does it mean for Edward and the characters he encounters?

Edward begins the novel in wealth and luxury and then loses it all. Describe the juxtaposition between Edward’s life of wealth and his life of poverty. When is he the happiest? What commentary does this make about the nature of happiness?