Essay Questions

How does Violet's physical vulnerability catalyze her inner strength and personal evolution throughout the challenges she faces at Basgiath War College?

Violet's portrayal with Ehlers–Danlos syndromes creates a poignant exploration of resilience and personal growth. Initially, her physical vulnerability seems like a hindrance to her ambitions and the demands imposed by the college. This vulnerability shapes her determination to defy expectations and overcome obstacles. The narrative highlights Violet's inner strength as she confronts her fears and the challenges imposed on her. For instance, she faces the daunting task of crossing the parapet while battling prejudice and threats from others. She resolves not to succumb to panic—constantly repeating the mantra, "I will not die today,"—as she battles against the menacing actions of her peers. Through her journey, Violet learns to leverage her strengths to forge her path. Her vulnerability becomes a driving force that propels her character growth. This transforms her from a person defined by her limitations to someone empowered by her inner fortitude.

In what ways does Yarros interweave subjects of societal prejudice, familial legacies, and the moral complexities of warfare through the characters?

Yarros embeds various societal themes using characters like Violet, Jack Barlowe, and Xaden Riorson as vehicles to examine them. The novel delves into the prejudices prevalent within Basgiath War College's environment. Violet faces prejudice due to her physical vulnerability and the weight of her mother's reputation as a fearsome general. Jack Barlowe epitomizes the bias against perceived weakness, which embodies the cruelty that arises from such biases. The burden of familial expectations is evident in Violet's struggle to break away from her mother's legacy and chart her path. This theme extends to Xaden Riorson, whose lineage ties him to a rebellion, shaping his perspective and conflicts within the war college. Furthermore, the moral ambiguity surrounding warfare is depicted through the characters' choices. Jack's aggression and disregard for empathy display the darker side of combat while Violet and Xaden navigate the moral dilemmas inherent in their roles as dragon riders.

Discuss the significance of including the theme of predetermined paths in the novel regarding Violet's unexpected journey into dragon riding.

At the outset, Violet's aspirations lean towards becoming a scribe, which aligns with her desires rather than the predetermined path associated with her family legacy. However, her mother's intervention redirects her towards the path of a dragon rider thrusting her into an unforeseen destiny. This unexpected turn challenges Violet's preconceived notions about herself and sets her on an uncharted course. Throughout the narrative, the theme of destiny reverberates as characters grapple with the paths laid out for them. Violet's struggle to reconcile her desires with the imposed expectations reflects this ongoing battle against predetermined fates. It resonates in the choices made by characters like Xaden, who navigates the legacy of his family's rebellion. The inclusion of destiny as a thematic element underscores the conflict between personal agency and societal expectations. It accentuates the characters' struggles to carve their paths amidst the weight of predetermined destinies.