Practical Magic

During Sally’s and Gillian’s childhood, the aunts had trouble expressing their love for the girls in conventional ways. Why is this? What changes their attitude toward their adult nieces?

Consider all the Owens women depicted in the narrative. What role does intergenerational trauma play in the story?

Kylie and Gideon are very different people. What brings them together? Why do they have a successful friendship?

What is the significance of each of the four headings—"Superstition,” “Premonitions,” “Clairvoyance,” and “Levitation”? Do they enhance your reading of the novel? Why or why not?

During Sally’s transformation, she reflects that she “has been lying to herself” her entire life (239). What role do lies and dishonesty play in the novel?

Gillian claims that Jimmy was the only person she ever truly loved, even though he was abusive toward her. Why does she fall in love with him? Did she have a choice in who she loved?

From early in their childhoods, Sally and Gillian both strive to escape their home life with the aunts. Why was it so important for them to get away, and what were they looking for? Compare and contrast their motivations.

After the girl from the drugstore receives her spell from the aunts, Sally and Gillian watch her to determine the results. Why is it so important to Sally to prove magic isn’t real?