The most obvious unifying element within the book is the story of Aethon, the fool who goes in search of paradise, only to wish to return to his humble homeland. How does Aethon’s journey unite the characters in Cloud Cuckoo Land? In what ways might their stories echo Aethon’s own fantastic journey? Consider the following questions as you develop your ideas:

• What drives Aethon? Which other characters share this drive, and how does it impact their choices?
• What draws the characters to Aethon’s story? What does it provide them with?
• In what ways might Aethon’s transformations be symbolic or even allegorical? What might these trials represent about universal human struggles?
• What transformations do the other characters undergo, and why? How do these compare and/or relate to Aethon’s transformation?
• Aethon reaches a turning point when he realizes he has been a fool. Where does this happen, and how does this change his outlook?
• In what ways have the other characters acted foolish, and how does realizing this alter their path or character development?
• To what degree are the struggles of the characters related and relatable? What might this suggest about human nature and the root of human struggles?

Teaching Suggestion: This discussion can be used to transition students into the “Visualizing Parallels and Connections” activity.