Discrimination and oppression are central to the novel’s conflicts. How does the motif of blood tie into the discrimination and oppression present in the novel? What do the connections to blood reveal about systems of oppression? Cite details and text examples in your answer. Consider these points as you formulate a response:

• What associations does blood carry as a symbol, both within the context of the novel and historically or culturally? How might one inform the other?
• In what ways do different forms of blood determine a person’s social standing in Otera?
• In what ways are blood and purity related both in the novel and historically or culturally?
• What do Deka’s changing attitudes toward her own blood reveal about the processes of living with and resisting oppression?
• How does the motif of blood reveal the hypocrisy of the ruling class and the Infinite Wisdoms, and what might this suggest about the nature of oppression?

Teaching Suggestion: Students may benefit from written copies of the questions to refer to while discussing. Students may also benefit from previewing questions ahead of a class discussion to prepare in-depth answers that refer more directly to the text. Group or personal notetaking may increase information retention.

Differentiation Suggestion: Nonverbal or socially anxious students may benefit from the opportunity to submit written responses in place of verbal participation.