Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier - Book Club Discussion Questions

Tracy Chevalier has written another historical novel, this time turning her attention to late 18th-century London and the writer William Blake. Burning Bright tells the story behind Blake’s writing of his masterpiece, Songs of Innocence and Experience, through the eyes of a teenage boy and girl who are neighbors to Blake in London. Use these book club discussion questions on Burning Bright to delve into Blake's world, and the world Chevalier creates around him.

Spoiler Warning: These book club discussion questions on Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier may reveal important details from the novel.

1. Had you read William Blake’s poetry before you read this book? If not, did it make you want to start reading his work? If yes, did Chevalier portray Blake as you imagined him?

2. Read Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience. Which poems resonate most with the novel? Does Burning Bright enrich your reading of Blake's work?

3. What do you think Jem and Maggie decided to do at the very end of the book?

4. Why do you think Tracy Chevalier included the character of Rosie Wightman?

5. What is the significance of the title of the book?

6. Rate Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier on a scale of 1 to 5.