Essay Questions

How does Faythe prove that she values her independence than anything else?

From the start of the novel, Faythe is introduced as an individual who wants to do her things independently. Faythe is not happy with the way her parents are treating her, and she wants to liberate herself. When Faythe gets an opportunity to join college, she is too excited because she knows that she will be away from the people who try to influence her life. However, the reader realizes that Faythe belongs to tabby cats' family, and no one knows her status except herself. She does everything to protect her space despite other tabby cats who want to destroy her. Consequently, Faythe is an independent individual who knows what to do at the right time.

What does Lucas mean when he says, “A cat body can sustain a lot of damage without actually dying?”

The author introduces Lucas as the primary enforcer who oversees the inexorable battle between the strays and the werecats. According to Lucas, the worst is yet to happen, and he encourages the werecats to be strong enough to face the most challenging battle that is about to happen. Faythe is introduced as a powerful werecat, but she is a female, and she does not know how to use it. When she joins college, she is endangered because other tabby cats want to attack her, but she independently learns how to protect herself. Lucas encourages all werecats to know that they will win the battle because they are physically strong, which is an added advantage.

How does the author illustrate that conventional gender roles are outdated in contemporary society?

The book is mainly about the world of werecats, which strictly observe gender roles. Faythe is a member of Texas's specific pride, and society expects her to fulfill her gender roles as a female precisely. The female werecats' role is to give birth, take care of the family matter, and stay home. However, these gender roles contradict the expectations of the modern generation of werecats to which Faythe belongs. Faythe wants to be independent and do things according to her needs but not by societal pressure. Faythe often argues with her parents and other society members who strictly observe her gender roles. However, Faythe decides to do things independently, and she represents the defiance of the modern women who do not want to be tied to culture and other conventional rules that limit their potential and participation in society.