Essay Questions

Why was the church and the government so afraid of Lyra's destiny?

Lyra's destiny to become a new Eve who would be tempted again and her choice would determine the fate of the world freaked the church and the government of her world. This was because her decision would lead to the rebirth of the world. The rebirth would shake the church and the government which were already established structures that held the most power in her world.

To ensure that Lyra did not get tempted again, the church sent an envoy to find her and murder her and her mother, they also assembled a battalion that would counter Lord Asriel and they sought to gain possession of The Subtle Knife of which Will was the bearer.

Explain the roles of the major characters in The Amber Spyglass in terms of significance and symbolism.

The major characters are Will who is the bearer of the all powerful subtle knife, Lyra who is the new Eve, Mrs. Coulter who is Lyra's mother and the antagonist and the government of Lyra's world as a whole. All these characters played major roles either to ensure the fulfillment of Lyra's destiny or to avoid it.

Lyra as the new Eve and a reader of the all powerful althiometer was able to learn the plans of the government and prepare for them in order to avoid getting caught. She had the task to make sure that she stayed alive in order for her prophesied destiny to be fulfilled. Will as the bearer of the subtle knife that could cut between worlds helped to keep Lyra safe.