Dragonkeeper

Is Ping’s friendship with the young emperor—and her love of the palace comforts—portrayed positively or negatively? How does the theme of Friendship and the Meaning of Loyalty play into the development of her rapport with Liu Che?

How would the novel have been different if it were told from Danzi’s perspective? How would the depictions of Ping’s challenges and flaws shift?

Consider the recurring presence of anger in the novel. Is this emotion portrayed as negative, positive, or neutral? Cite at least three examples from the text to support your answer.

How are the natural wonders of the world used to explore Ping’s point of view, and how does the author’s depiction of the unknown drive the protagonist’s growth?

How are adults and children portrayed differently in the text? Consider their physical descriptions, emotional states, and worldviews.

Research one of the four celestial animals (or “Holy Beasts”) from Chinese mythology: dragons, qilin, turtles, or phoenixes. How accurately does the author portray the mythological details, and how does Wilkinson adapt this material for her own uses?

Dragon-themed novels are a prolific part of the fantasy genre. Analyze the features and literary elements of another contemporary YA dragon-themed novel, such as Dragon Slippers, Dragon Rider, or Dragon Pearl. How do these narratives compare with Dragonkeeper?

How does the author vary her descriptions to give Danzi both human and draconic traits? How does the emphasis change from scene to scene, and why?