07.31.06
Guardians of Ga’hoole: The Capture
Since we’re dealing with talking animals, I thought we’d go next to the Guardians of Ga’hoole series. This was one of Girl’s favorite books for a while and you should have seen her working the group, so she could get it on our readling list. The first book is The Capture and it is written by Kathryn Lasky.
- Consider what would have happened if Soren hadn’t been ‘rescued’ by the owls from St. Agges. Would he have survived his time on the forest floor? How? And what might have happened when his parents came home?
- If Gylfie had left the school as soon as she was able, what could she have done to help Soren? Given what they found when they both left the school, would she have been able to find help? Why was her choice to stay the better choice for her?
- The book describes many different ceremonies that young owls go through as they mature. How do these ceremonies compare to stages that you might go through? Why did the author add this detail to the stories? Did it help you identify with the owls and see them as rounded characters?
- St. Agges also marked life stages with ceremonies. Why would they have continued these ‘normal’ activities?
- Even speaking of Ga’hoole was enough to shock a moon-blinded owl, let alone for Gylfie and Soren to avoid being moon-blinded. Was this a realistic situation? What does it suggest of the regard of these stories in owl society?
- Hortense has put herself in a very dangerous position in order to infiltrate St. Agges. Why did the author put her in the story? Did she hope to convey something to the reader or did Soren and Gylfie need Hortense’s presence?
- The value of belief is a reoccurring theme throughout the book. In particular, it is stressed that an owl’s ability to fly is contingent on the belief that they will be able to. Have you ever been in a situation that you weren’t prepared to handle and gotten through it by keeping in mind that you should be able to?
- After living at St. Agges and not being able to ask any questions; Grimble decides that the sweetest taste is not anything he can eat, but being having “a question on the tongue.” Do you agree that intellectual exploration (questions) is as important as food for someone’s quality of life?
- Deus ex Machina is “an unexpected, artificial, or improbable character, device, or event introduced suddenly in a work of fiction or drama to resolve a situation or untangle a plot.” This device goes back to Greek and Roman dramas and in modern stories is often seen as ‘cheating.’ Do you think that the appearance of the eagles at the end qualifies as using this device?
- At the very end Soren decides, “Legends were not only for the desperate. Legends were for the brave.” Why do ‘the brave’ need legends as well?
- What did you enjoy about this book?
- What have you read that is similar to this book?
- Who was your favorite character? What did you appreciate about him/her?
- What is stronger in the book: plot or character development? Why? Do you think this was intentional on the part of the author?
- What are your concerns about this book?
- What are the most important relationships in the book?
- Did you find any flaws in the book?
- Choose a minor character. What makes this character memorable?
