Essay Questions

How is the title of the novel connected to its plot?

The title of the novel, “Children of Virtue and Vengeance”, reveals the new fight that the diviner Zélie will have to face, not only the fight for the survival of maji with the new imposed threat of titans, but also her inner struggle to find courage after being asked to sacrifice everything yet again. It is the virtue of her kind that doesn’t let her fail, and the need to avenge all the sacrifices made to bring freedom to the maji that gives her courage at the end.

How does the relationship between Amari and Zélie change in this book?

Amari, the runaway princess and destined queen, and Zélie the savior of her people and Soldier of Death, built a sisterly bond that is brought to a test in this sequel. There is tension between the two because of a shift in their surroundings, their roles seemingly reverse as Zélie is being thought of as the future queen among Iyika. There is also tension because Amari became a titan, she wields the power of those who are set to destroy everything Zélie fought for. Zélie also can’t help but see the face of her traitor brother in Amari’s. Their bond is seemingly severed when Amari, guided by the lessons of her father, makes a devastating and futile sacrifice.

How does the novel show the corruption of authority?

The novel explores the theme of corruption of authority directly through Nehanda, Amari and Inan’s mother. She is revealed to be a power-thirsty, ruthless monarch, and she was the one who caused the war by releasing the Burners on the people who were ready to make peace in Orïsha. With this, she created the divide that started the war and blamed the maji for all the wrongs in the land, while she was the poison behind everything. Even her titan power, that is pulled from leeching the life force from others, is symbolic of her actions and character.