Fire and Ice

What traits does Bluestar exemplify as a leader? What textual evidence reveals them? Is her keeping the secret that few of her nine lives remain (which makes her much more vulnerable than she seems) justifiable? Why or why not?

Why does Princess want Fireheart to raise her eldest kit? Is she naive to think that her kit will have a better life as a warrior cat? Why or why not? Use textual evidence to build an argument.

Fireheart often resents keeping Graystripe’s secret yet has his own secrets (notably, his relationship with Princess). To what extent is this hypocritical? Would Fireheart justify his secrets as somehow different from the one Graystripe is keeping? If so, how?

What factors lead to conflict and tension between the clans? How do these sources of conflict (for example, disputes over territory and resources) play out in human societies?

Why do the clans prohibit romantic relationships between cats from different clans? What problems does the relationship between Graystripe and Silverstream create? Would these problems persist if they could conduct their relationship openly rather than secretly?

How does the novel’s worldview portray humans (Twolegs) and human activities? In what ways does the novel anthropomorphize animals to engage in social critique? Include textual evidence to develop an argument.

What is the impact of Yellowfang revealing the secret that Brokenstar is her son? Is her insisting that Brokenstar’s life be spared justifiable? What problems might this later create in the clan?

Although the novel introduces Cloudkit late in the plot, he quickly shows his bold and defiant character. How does he disrupt the dynamics within ThunderClan? What do his personality and behavior reveal about innate tendencies versus environmental influences (such as nature versus nurture)? Incorporate textual evidence to support an argument.