Captain Underpants

How does Pilkey characterize George and Harold? Is the reader supposed to forgive them for their disruptive pranks?

How is toilet humor used to elicit amusement in readers? How does this kind of humor align with Pilkey’s belief in the importance of mischief and silliness?

Contrast the character traits of Captain Underpants and Mr. Krupps. Why is it ironic that Mr. Krupp transforms into Captain Underpants?

How does the scene with Doctor Diaper conform to, but also satirize, the tropes associated with comic book heroes and villains?

How do George and Harold grow as characters?

Which features of Pilkey’s novel are more commonly associated with comic books than illustrated children’s novels? How do these features change the book’s pacing and mood?

Is the novel’s portrayal of pranks problematic? You may use examples from current events, history, and psychological texts to support your argument.

Write a piece of fan fiction where Harold and George are 30-year-old adults. What do they do for work? Do they have families? Have they maintained their fun-loving spirit? Has life disappointed them?