Dealing with Dragons

Write an essay about Cimorene’s characterization. What goals and activities motivate her, and what judgements do various people and creatures impose upon her? What are her strongest character attributes, and how do they affect the course of the novel?

Compare and contrast Cimorene, Alianora, Keredwel, and Hallanna. What different versions of “princess-like” behavior ado they each exhibit? What are their views on being princesses, and how do these attitudes contribute to their goals and values?

What is the purpose of the novel’s many allusions to myths and fairy tales? How do these allusions serve to establish the characters, plot, and setting?

How does Wrede use the differences and similarities between dragon and human society to deliver a deeper social commentary on real-world dynamics?

How do people use various forms of power in this novel, and which of these forms is most effective? Consider the magical power of the wizards, the physical power of the knights, and the subtler powers of Cimorene’s cleverness.

Write a character study essay about Kazul, analyzing her personality and her standing within dragon society at large. How does she differentiate herself from the other dragons, and in what ways is she similar to Cimorene? How does her relationship with Cimorene contrast with other dragons’ relationships with their princesses?

Write an essay about the Caves of Night as a symbol and location. Why are the Caves and the areas within them special to the dragons? Why do other species want to access the Caves? What are the consequences for transgressing onto another species’ special territory?

What is the difference between how wizards use magic, and how people like Kazul, Cimorene, and Morwen use it? What ethical trends do these differences imply?