The Erlking Topics for Discussion & Projects | BookRags.com

The Erlking Topics for Further Study

List some of the adjectives that Carter uses to describe the woods and natural environment in "The Erlking." What is Carter's attitude toward nature? How does this differ from your ideas about nature?

The narrator feels entrapped and diminished by the Erlking, but she is also drawn to him. Do you think she would have preferred to remain innocent, a "perfect child of the meadows of summer," as she had been before she met him? Describe what benefits she may have derived from her relationship with him.

Carter was an outspoken but unconventional feminist. What does "The Erlking" suggest about the relations between men and women? What possible feminist messages may be within the story?

Discuss the symbolism of the silent violin. Why, when strung with the Erlking's hair, does it cry out, "Mother, mother you have murdered me!"?

Research one or more of the fairy...
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