Essay Questions

How does Gruadh champion feminism in chapter two?

Gruadh affirms, “I want to learn to fight…Had I known defense when the Vikings took me , many men might be alive today, and you would not have such enemies in Thorfin and his Orkney men.” Gruadh’s intention to master fighting skills is an embodiment of feminism which depicts her willingness to get out of the position of a princess. The skills would help her to defend herself from the rampant abductions which she is subject to. Her gender and status do not reduce her interest in being sufficient and not reliant on males to defend her.

Deconstruct Bhode’s mindset based on the assertions he makes regarding Gruadh’s capability to fight.

Bodhe responds, “Even with skills, you could not stop several men determined to take you…Rue you mother taught you needle arts and household managing, and the priest schools… One day you will be wife to a powerful lord, perhaps become a queen. Let that be enough. Leave swording to your kinsmen.” Bodhe is an archetypal patriarch who holds that females are inherently weaker; hence, they would not defeat males. He recommends that Gruadh should focus on the orthodox roles of arts and wifehood because acquiring fighting skills will be futile. For Bodhe, swords and combats are for males because the men are inherently stronger.