Who Fears Death

Research the War in Darfur. In what ways does the novel mirror the events of the war? What parallels do you see throughout the novel? What differences?

What does the novel have to say about the concept of pacifism? Does the novel suggest that pacifism is useful? Does it reject pacifism? Does it make a claim somewhere in between?

To what extent does Onye develop as a character through the end of the novel? Does she change in more than a physical sense, as a sorcerer? Or is she fundamentally the same person as she was at the start of the novel?

To what extent does the novel reject the concept of tradition? Does the novel suggest that some traditions are worthwhile or deserving of redemption, or is the novel one wholly of progress?

What role does storytelling play? Consider the different forms of storytelling that exist across different mediums—oral, photographic, written, etc. Trace these forms and consider how they help the characters understand their situation. What parallels do you see with the story world and your own world?

What claims does the novel make about love and sexuality? What forms exist, and to what extent does the novel accept or reject these forms?

This novel might be considered to be a “science fantasy” novel: a novel that shares many qualities with fantasy while borrowing elements from science fiction (e.g., the capture stations). In what ways does it work within the conventions of science fiction or fantasy? How does it work against these conventions?

Consider Onye’s primary ability, which is that of change—specifically, the ability to change into different animals. What does the novel have to say about the nature of change, either literal or metaphorical?

To what extent are the characters able to overcome patriarchal norms and ideals? Choose one character in particular and trace their development, or lack of development, in this regard—what beliefs do they hold? What obstacles do they face? How do they face them?

In what ways does Vah society serve as a counterpoint to the rest of the Seven Rivers Kingdom? In what ways does it reflect Kingdom society still?