Skellig Essay Questions

What message, if any, does the novel present on the nature of education?

The novel presents two types of education. The first is that of Michael, which consists of traditional schooling with teachers, classes, homework, worksheets, etc. The second is that of Mina, which is done at home, is not divided into disciplines, and is largely unstructured. Though Mina is quick to mock Michael's version, the reader is shown value in both types. Michael still has caring teachers, thought-provoking assignments, and opportunities to socialize with others. As critic Don Latham writes, "neither view of formal education is privileged here; rather they exist in a kind of dialogue with each other." The overriding message here is simply for young people to learn—and to learn compassion and patience and acceptance along with their anatomy and math.

Why does Michael have trouble balancing Mina, Leakey, and Coot?

This is one of the key insights that the book offers about childhood: that it's not easy, and that our friends can easily become our enemies. Michael's life changes have estranged him from Leakey and Coot, and they are rightfully concerned about this and jealous of Mina once they realize Michael has been spending time with her. Mina is judgmental and inflexible regarding the other boys, rightfully seeing that they dislike her but taking no pains to get to know them. Michael is caught in the middle: he likes his old friends, but there is much they don't understand; he likes Mina, but she isn't at school and doesn't play football. The novel suggests that boldly facing these issues, apologies, patience, and empathy are the tools needed to surmount the problems inherent balancing friends or groups of friends.

What are the principal messages of the novel—for readers of all ages?

There are several messages beautifully embedded into the text. First, it is important not to judge things by their appearances. Skellig is dirty, ugly, and decrepit, but he is a magnificent being who most likely heals the baby and helps Michael through his difficult times. Second, life is complicated and hard, but one must do their best to endure. Spending time with ones you love, working hard, looking for meaning, and continually hoping and retaining faith in progress will help during the hard times. Third, everything changes, but it is possible to embrace those changes and perhaps have something even better. Fourth, there aren't always answers, but magic, mystery, and ambiguity are just as powerful and impactful as answers.

How does Michael's relationship with his parents change over the course of the narrative?

Before Michael's baby sister is born, he is an only child, and thus the beneficiary of all of his parents' attention. Once Joy is born, especially as she is sick, Michael has to adjust to a new reality in which his parents' attention is split. They are very good parents and do not consciously try to ignore Michael by any means, but, quite naturally, the baby occupies their focus. They cannot fully listen to Michael if the baby interrupts; they are not as involved in his day-to-day life; they are easily impatient, upset, and stressed. Michael understands that they are concerned about the baby; he is too, but he is still coming to terms with these changes and often feels sadness or a modicum of resentment. As he grows in compassion, empathy, and patience through his experiences with Skellig and Mina, he is better able to accept the changing nature of his life and his relationship with his parents. His heart opens fully to admit his baby sister and he shows his parents the love they need.

How is nature depicted in the novel? How does this tie into the broader themes and messages of the novel?

Almond doesn't shy away from presenting nature in both its beauty and its savagery, intermingling visions of life and death. The blackbird fledglings are not guaranteed survival, especially when Whisper, an otherwise cute and friendly cat, embraces his own nature as a predator. The owls are adorable and the owl parents are doting, but they are also killers. Mina whispers this word and Michael calls them "savages" when they see them bringing the babies a dead mouse and a dead baby bird, and when Michael muses that "They think we're something like them" (173), Mina replies "Perhaps we are." Human beings are capable of savage behavior and noble behavior; in fact, Almond parallels the ministrations of Michael's parents to their baby with those of the owls. Almond suggests that:

• humans are a part of nature and should not shy away from the things that root them in nature.

• there are cycles that are normal and natural.

• there is a time to "kill" and a time to nurture.