Aru Shah and the End of Time

Why, in your opinion, does Chokshi remain faithful to certain aspects of Indian mythology while taking creative liberties with others? Do her choices reflect any ideas in the novel about storytelling and imagination?

Comment on the symbolism and irony present in the Sleeper being contained in and released from a lamp.

Aru notably has a vivid imagination. In your opinion, did the events of the novel really happen, or could she have invented them as a way to work through her insecurities? Why or why not?

What are the different things the Palace of Illusions comes to symbolize? Explore its place in relation to the girls, the central themes of the book, as well as its role in the original epic.

What is the idea of heroism that Aru discovers, over the course of her quest? Substantiate your claim with examples.

Aru’s classmates begin filming her with their phone, and they only delete the video after she reads the list of embarrassing things they have done. Discuss the role of social media in the story and how it motivates Aru’s—and her classmates’—actions.

The Sleeper as a character highlights ideas of fate, destiny, and karma. Which are some of the other characters that also do so, and how? Illustrate using textual examples.

Was Krithika right to keep the truth from Aru? How might Aru’s experiences have been different if she knew the whole story? If Aru had known the whole truth, what might have led her to light the lamp and release the Sleeper?