Dragonsong

How does McCaffrey utilize the interpersonal conflict between Menolly and her parents to portray The Struggle Against Oppressive Societal Norms? How does this theme shape the novel’s overall meaning? Discuss how this theme resonates with the author’s personal experiences and the cultural historical context in which she wrote this story.

Dragon eggs and fire lizard eggs represent hope and new beginnings. How does the author use these symbols to advance the plot and the protagonist’s characterization?

How is Menolly shaped by the theme of Empowerment Through Self-Expression? What obstacles must she overcome to pursue her passion for music, and how does this theme impact the novel’s overall meaning?

Examine Harper Petiron and Masterharper Robinton’s contributions to the role of mentorship in personal development. Using specific evidence from the novel, compare and contrast the two Harpers’ personality traits and their effects on Menolly’s character development.

Throughout the novel, McCaffrey uses auditory imagery and sound effects like onomatopoeia. How do these literary devices develop the novel’s setting and mood and support the motif of music?

Consider the fire lizards’ function as a motif of the role of community in personal development. Which of Menolly’s character traits do the fire lizards highlight, and how do they offer her a sense of community?

Dragonsong tells the coming-of-age story of a young woman who finds herself by bonding with a group of wild creatures. How does the novel compare and contrast to other novels with a similar narrative, such as Scott O’Dell’s Island of the Blue Dolphins or Jean Craighead George’s Julie of the Wolves?

How does Dragonsong’s depiction of dragons compare and contrast to those of other young adult fantasy novels, such as Rachel Hartman’s Seraphina and Christopher Paoloni’s Eragon? What do the authors’ differing interpretations of this classic fantasy element signify about their worldbuilding and the messages of their works?