1. Read another novel that provides a realistic portrayal of life during the Middle Ages, such as Howard Pyle's Otto of the Silver Hand or Elizabeth Janet Gray's Adam of the Road. Compare the novel with The Door in the Wall in regard to what the books describe and how they describe it. Is one more realistic than the other? Does one seem more authentic than the other?

2. Research medieval friars. Discover how they originated, what they were supposed to do, and the differences that developed between the various orders of friars. Consider Chaucer's portrait of a friar in the general prologue to The Canterbury Tales.

3. Research what it would have been like to live in a medieval castle. Discover who usually resided there and what their daily lives might have been like.

Consider what they would have been likely to...