The Magic Mountain Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. Choose two characters that act as a foil to one another. In what ways do these characters serve as opposites? What do these differences indicate?

2. How is foreshadowing used in "The Magic Mountain"? Choose one major instance of foreshadowing and follow it through the book, finishing with how the event is fulfilled.

3. Compare and contrast Hans and Peeperkorn. How are their relationships with Clavdia similar and different?

4. How does Hans change throughout the novel? Detail the changes he makes and the reasons behind those changes.