Whether it's how to cure a headache or make someone fall in love with you, the title character in Strega Nona knows how to make it happen. But along with all that knowledge, she also possesses wisdom. And it's that wisdom that keeps her from using her magic excessively or making choices that would harm others. It's also wisdom that causes her to set limits, like not letting anyone else touch the magic pasta pot…even if not every character in the book has the wisdom to obey them.
Questions About Wisdom and Knowledge
- What's the difference between wisdom and knowledge?
- Does Strega Nona possess wisdom, knowledge, or both? How do you know?
- In what ways are you smart? Are these examples of wisdom or knowledge? Explain.
- Who, over the course of the book, gains either wisdom or knowledge? How do you think the wisdom or knowledge that is gained will change things in the community?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Big Anthony possesses knowledge, but not wisdom, and that's what gets him in trouble.
At the end of the book, Big Anthony is much wiser than he was at the beginning.