Something Wicked This Way Comes Theme of Fear

Fear is experienced as a particular bodily sensation in Something Wicked This Way Comes. No longer simply a mental reaction, fear has incredible physical power over people. It is also the one essential tool of all things evil, who gain power over others primarily by making them afraid. Fear is rooted internally, in our most precious desires and most secret longings. The novel draws a shaky line between dreams and nightmares. The good news, however, is that in this novel, fear can be easily conquered – through love and laugher.

1. What induces fear in the novel? What makes fear so powerful?
2. How do characters react to fear? What is the best way to counter fear?
3. What is the relationship between fear and evil? Between fear and the supernatural?
4. What did you find to be the scariest element of the carnival, and why?

Fear manifests itself in Something Wicked This Way Comes through physical reaction.

Something Wicked This Way Comes argues that fear is the only weapon evil has.