City of Glass

Discuss the significance of lies as tools for protection in City of Glass. Was Clary’s mom wrong to hide the Shadowhunter world from Clary? Why or why not? Do parents have the right to keep secrets from their children in order to keep them safe? Could Clary’s mom have told Clary the truth and still kept her safe? How would this have changed the story?

In Chapter 20, Clary uses her wish from Raziel to bring Jace back to life. Do you think this was a selfish thing for Clary to ask for? Do you understand why she asked for Jace? Why or why not? If it were you, what would you have asked the angel for? Why that thing, and how would it have positively influenced your life or the lives of others, if at all?

Discuss Valentine’s views on downworlders and his hatred for Shadowhunter-downworlder political and social alliances. What experiences shape his perspective, and how does Clare use his agenda to explore the importance of change and inclusivity? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

In Chapter 14, Jace says Valentine and Luke are more similar than they are different. Both want change, just in different ways. Compare Valentine and Luke to the extremist cultures in the global political landscape today. What beliefs held by those at either end of a political spectrum keep them from seeing how they are like the other? What are some examples from City of Glass of actions that foster greater political unity rather than division?

Compare and contrast Valentine and Sebastian. Which do you think is a more effective antagonist? What abilities or qualities make each threatening? In what ways does Clare humanize each of these villainous characters? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Consider the politics and teachings of the Clave. What do they say about echo chamber culture and remaining loyal to the past as the present changes? Is there any benefit to how the Clave views the world? If so, what, and how does it enhance Shadowhunter culture? Do you think the Clave’s structure is sustainable in the long term? Why or why not?

A major theme of Clare’s novel is Self-Perception Versus the Perceptions of Others. Choose three characters from City of Glass and compare how they view themselves to how others view them. What role does this disconnect play in defining the arcs Clare has created for them?

Explore the strengths of each downworlder race in Clare’s novel (vampire, werewolf, fairy, and warlock). In what ways can these strengths enhance the abilities of Shadowhunters who join forces with them via Clary’s rune? What advantages do these alliances create in the battle against demons? Support your answer with evidence from the text.