The Wager by Donna Jo Napoli

Reviewed by Lori
The Wager
Title: The Wager

Author: Donna Jo Napoli

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 44190

Description: Having lost everything in a tidal wave in 1169 Sicily, nineteen-year-old Don Giovanni makes a simple-sounding wager with a stranger he recognizes as the devil but, while desperate enough to surrender his pride and good looks for three years, he is not willing to give up his soul.


Rubric Rating: Level 2 - Like It


Why I Read It: The cover and write up made the story sound interesting.  I have also read other titles by Donna Jo Napoli.

Lori's Notes: Don Giovanni is a rich youth in Italy until Mt. Etna erupts and a tsunami swamps the town of Messina where he lives.  Calling on his friends and guardian, Giovanni learns he has spent through all of his inheritance.  Living like a beggar he runs into a man who makes a wager with him.  Giovanni will be given a magic purse if he does not wash or change his clothes for 3 years, 3 months and 3 days.  Giovanni learns the value of money, to look beyond appearances, and grows up.  I expected there to be more interaction between the devil and Don Giovanni - more attempts at manipulation.  The middle of the story is good, while Giovanni is dealing with the consequences of the wager but I would have liked a bit more conflict, particularly toward the end of the wager deadline.

Recommended Readers: Grade 9 and Up

Themes: Growing up, Value of Money,  Value of Friendship, Looking Beyond Appearance, Gambling, Wagers, Class, Luck, Fairy Tale, Pride and Vanity, Deals with the Devil, Coming-of-Age.

Cross-Genre Links: 
Music: Don Giovanni Opera by Mozart
Websearch: Deals with the Devil
Websearch: Mt. Etna Eruptions
Play: The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe
Movie: The Devil and Daniel Mouse (1978)


Post-Reading Discussion Questions and Activities:

  • Do you think you would be able to make the same sort of deal as Don Giovanni? 
  • Why does Don Giovanni make the deal with the devil?  How is the deal more difficult than Giovanni expects?
  • Pretend you are a lawyer for Don Giovanni.  Argue the case for releasing Giovanni from his contract.  
  • What does Giovanni learn about himself and others during the three years, three months and three days?
  • Should you judge people by their appearance?  
  • How does money influence or change people?

Also by Donna Jo Napoli: 

Stones in Water
Fire in the Hills
Hidden
Bound




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