Where there's power there's politics, and in The Golden Compass there's plenty of both. The book dramatizes the struggle for power and resources among many competing factions: the Oxford scholars, the General Oblation Board, the witches, the gyptians, the bears, Lord Asriel, Mrs. Coulter – even Lyra herself. Each party has its own agenda, motives, and inclinations. Politics becomes a way for certain characters and groups of characters to serve their own interests.
Questions About Politics
- Why does Lord Asriel show the scholars a frozen head? What are his political goals?
- Why does the Magisterium want to take away the gyptians' right to free movement?
- What's the political position of the witches? The bears?
- What are Mrs. Coulter's goals? Why is she working with the Church and the General Oblation Board?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
In The Golden Compass, all of the characters involved in politics are prone to immoral behavior.