Essay Questions

How does the author build the theme of revenge in the novel Taltos?

Michael and Rowan are trying to discover who killed Aaron Mayfair in a mysterious road accident. After doing their investigation while in London, Michael and Rowan discover that the people who killed Aaron are members of Talamasca. They start looking for the specific person who caused the accident that killed Aaron. With the help of Ashlar and Samuel, Rowana and Michael discover that the person who killed Aaron is Antony Marcus, Talamasca's general. Ashlar acts very fast and kills Antony on the spot in revenge for Aaron's death. Similarly, Stuart had a role in Aaron's death, and she uses her telepathic powers to cause a fatal stroke on him to avenge Aaron's death. Therefore, the novel has visible revenge incidents, making it one of the main themes.

What makes Rowan a paradoxical character?

Rowan and Michael are married, which is common knowledge to other characters. However, Michael is also having a secretive love affair with Mona. Later, Mona comes out to tell Michael that she is pregnant. Michael is scared about how he will break the news to Rowan, who is unaware that the relationship is happening. Ironically, Rowan is not annoyed when she learns Mona is carrying Michael's pregnancy. Instead of being mad at Michael, Rowan tells Mona to make her pregnancy public, and she supports her.

Who ate the Taltos, and what is their significance in the novel?

The Taltos are alien species originally generated from a remote island. The Taltos have supernatural powers to influence human beings and their events. To achieve their objectives, the Taltos are born like normal humans, making it easy for them to execute their manipulative plans. However, Taltos are born when men and women from the same family procreate. The Mayfair family has a good lineage of the alien species, and Taltos are born from this family unit. The Taltos are powerful and influential and can cause humans harm. For instance, the Taltos kill Aaron through an accident because he is becoming a threat to their existence.