A Song Below Water

Since the novel is set in modern day (albeit with mythological creatures), in what ways does it speak to current societal issues using its own mythos? What issues from the novel still exist in our world, and what does Tavia’s character suggest we do to deal with them?

Why do you think Bethany Morrow chose to have the novel told through Tavia and Effie's alternating perspectives? How does Tavia’s plot line enrich Effie’s, and vice versa? Did you find one girl’s plot line more interesting than the other? Why?

Compare and contrast Tavia and Effie’s voices. How do their internal thoughts, emotions, and word choice differ or prove similar?

Analyze a character other than Tavia or Effie and how they experience change. How does this character deal with prejudice and their respective conflict?

Which theme best captures Tavia and Effie’s character growth? Why? What literary devices—such as flashbacks, imagery, symbols, and motifs—are used to showcase this theme? Cite textual evidence to support your answers.

Discuss the theme of Hiding in Silence Versus Speaking Truth to Power in relation to Tavia or Effie. For example, what would Tavia’s life have been like if she freely used her siren voice? Should Effie’s family have revealed her true identity as a gorgon? Think about the negative and positive consequences of owning one’s voice in the novel’s world, and relate a personal experience of staying silent or speaking up.

In terms of worldbuilding, which of the novel’s myths was the most compelling to you? Why? Research the original myth your choice was based on. How does the original myth compare to Morrow’s version?

Effie tells Mama Theo that “hid­ing things from kids isn’t pro­tect­ing them if they know some­thing’s wrong” (147) as she searches for her identity. Do you agree or disagree with Effie’s opinion? Why? What themes does Effie’s dialogue relate to?