53 pages 1 hour read

Drew Hayden Taylor

The Night Wanderer

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2007

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Essay Topics

1.

The novel regularly switches perspective to illuminate various characters’ pasts, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. How does this stylistic choice create a more detailed impression of the characters? Are there times where the omniscient perspective dilutes the overall understanding of the characters, or does it help the reader to connect with them? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

2.

At the end of the novel, Pierre argues that Tiffany’s problems are not as serious as she thinks, since she lacks perspective. Is there a counterargument to this point of view? What does Pierre’s argument show about his character and how he has changed?

3.

The words Anishinaabe and Ojibwe are both used in the novel. Research these terms and the difference between them. What ideas does the author’s use of these terms convey about Indigenous identity versus the identity projected onto Indigenous people by the process of colonization?