Essay Questions

Why is the tutor giving false information to Lord Withen about the fighting abilities of his son?

When Lord Withen takes his son to the tutor to learn fighting, he expects his boy to start getting interested in boyish activities that will prepare him to be a man. However, Lord reminds the tutor that his son is girlish and might not perform to his expectations. Ironically, Vanyel proves to be a good fighter than the tutor. The tutor is embarrassed to learn that Vanyel outshines him, and he decides to lie to his father that the son is incapable of avoiding being shamed.

How is homosexuality one of the main themes in ‘Magic's Pawn?’

Same-sex relationships prove to be among the main themes in the novel. From the beginning, the author reminds readers that Vanyel is interested more in his looks than in playing with other boys. Therefore, the author started by signaling that Vanyel might be homosexual. When Vanyel lives with his aunt, he discovers that he is gay and forms a sexual relationship with a fellow man. Therefore, homosexuality is one of the critical topics tackled by the author in the book.

How significant is the role of Aunt Sivil in shaping Vanyel’s life?

Savil is Vanyel’s aunt who takes him up after his father gives up on him. Savil first takes Vanyel to learn poetry, but he is not successful. Savil realizes that Vanyel loves looking appealing and tells him to learn same-sex love. Vanyel is happy, and he realizes that he is gay.