Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery

Why do you think the author included the Editor’s Notes at the beginning of the novel? How does it affect the reading of the story? What might be different if this note was left out?

Bunnicula never speaks throughout the story. What effect does this have?

Do you think Bunnicula is really a vampire? Why or why not? Use textual evidence to support your answer, and consider Chester and Harold’s differing opinions on the matter.

Do you think Harold and Chester are reliable narrators? Why or why not? Consider if one is more reliable than the other and why. Use textual evidence to support your answer.

The story often references outside literature. Choose one literary allusion and explore how it functions in the story. Does the reference enhance the plot, characterize a character, or provide important background information? Use textual evidence to support your ideas.

Considering the Editor’s Note at the beginning of the novel and Harold’s audience address at the end when he says, “I leave it to you, dear reader, to draw your own conclusions” (94), what was the purpose of this story? Should readers believe what they’ve been told? Why or why not? Connect your response to the idea of an unreliable narrator, and use textual evidence to support your answer.

How does Harold change throughout the story? What does Bunnicula have to do with this change? Use textual evidence to demonstrate how Harold is a dynamic character.

Explore Harold’s relationship to Toby. What does Harold receive from the relationship beyond food? Why does he prefer Toby over Peter? Use textual evidence to support your answer.