The Mysterious Benedict Society

The characters must solve many puzzles and quizzes in Mr. Benedict’s tests. Were you able to solve any of them before the answers were revealed? Which one(s)? How did you arrive at your solution?

A great many gifted children show up to take Mr. Benedict’s test. How did they differ from our protagonists, who were chosen for the team? What qualities made the team members stand out from the other applicants?

Mr. Curtain uses the Whisperer to broadcast subliminal messages, and it’s effective enough to cause the Emergency. What makes his messages so effective?

This book is primarily told from Reynie’s point of view. Choose another member of the Mysterious Benedict Society and imagine how different the story would be if that character had provided the primary point of view.

Why do you think Mr. Benedict and Mr. Curtain, who were born as twins, ended up as opposites? In what ways are they different, and in what ways are they the same?

Reynie is forced to act in ways that compromise his moral integrity. He feels tremendous guilt because of his decisions. Do you think it was necessary for Reynie to make these decisions? Explain your answer using examples from the story.

What does brainsweeping say about what makes people who and what they are? What effects did Milligan suffer from being brainswept? How did that change when he regained his memories?

Reynie composes several mental letters to Miss Perumal. Why does he do this, and what does it say about their relationship?