Characters
Represents curiosity, and the journey from childhood to maturity.
Who is Harvey?
The magical building that gives children anything they want at the cost of their soul.
What is the Holiday House?
This optical illusion shows how something can have two meanings.
What is the duck and rabbit?
Art has substance, is thought-provoking, and is transformative.
What is Faber's definition of art?
One of Mr.Hood's helpers, smooth-talking and has a fixed grin, comparable to that of the Cheshire Cat. He lures children into the Holiday House.
Who is Rictus?
The story warns that these can look appealing on the surface but may hide danger underneath.
What are illusions?
Mr.Hood's different forms symbolize this from of temptation.
What is deception?
Clive Barker uses this to mix fantasy with real-world lessons.
What is symbolism?
She symbolizes the innocence that is lost when we trust in dangerous illusions.
Who is Lulu?
Mr.Hood steals not just souls but also this from the children.
What is time?
The endless seasons at the Holiday House symbolize this trick.
What is false perfection?
The story teaches readers how to recognize this.
What is the difference between illusion and truth?
Represents temptation and the face of false promises/illusions; shape-shifting.
Who is Mr.Hood?
How growing up requires seeing the truth behind illusions.
What is maturity?
Lulu's transformation into a fish shows how illusions can lead to this loss.
What is the loss of identity?
The book warns that illusions can steal your future just like Mr.Hood steals this.
What are years of life?
A bird-like creature that symbolizes the fear used to control children.
Who is Carna?
The reason the Holiday House works is because the children believe they want to believe.
What is wishful thinking?
How temptation can manipulate innocence, showing that not everything enjoyable is safe or real.
What is the endless games and treats at the Holiday House?
Illusions can be attractive, but choosing reality is part of this human process.
What is growing up?