Podcast
Questions and Answers
Where is Kira when the story opens?
Where is Kira when the story opens?
At the Field of Leaving
What is Kira waiting at the Field of Leaving?
What is Kira waiting at the Field of Leaving?
The spirit of Katrina to leave her body
Why does Kira have no place to go?
Why does Kira have no place to go?
The cott has burned down
Why is Kira using a walking stick?
Why is Kira using a walking stick?
What happened to Kira's father?
What happened to Kira's father?
What is on Vandara's face?
What is on Vandara's face?
What group will decide Kira's fate?
What group will decide Kira's fate?
According to Vandara, why was Kira allowed to live as an infant?
According to Vandara, why was Kira allowed to live as an infant?
Why is Kira not required to defend herself?
Why is Kira not required to defend herself?
What does Kira touch in her pocket?
What does Kira touch in her pocket?
What question does Kira have about her father's death?
What question does Kira have about her father's death?
What crime does Christopher say Vandara has committed?
What crime does Christopher say Vandara has committed?
What special sewing did Kira's mother do?
What special sewing did Kira's mother do?
What color couldn't Kira's mother make?
What color couldn't Kira's mother make?
Who taught Kira's mother the art of dyeing cloth?
Who taught Kira's mother the art of dyeing cloth?
Who gets Kira's spot for her cott?
Who gets Kira's spot for her cott?
What is Kira's new job?
What is Kira's new job?
Study Notes
Setting and Context
- Kira is introduced at the Field of Leaving, a significant location in her community.
- She awaits the spirit of her deceased mother, Katrina, to depart from her body.
Kira's Personal Circumstances
- Kira has lost her home; her family cott has burned down, leaving her without shelter.
- She uses a walking stick due to her crippled leg, which affects her mobility and independence.
- Kira's father died when he was taken by beasts during a hunting expedition, leaving her alone and vulnerable.
Community Dynamics
- Vandara, a pivotal character, has a scar on her face, marking her as an antagonist in Kira’s story.
- Kira's fate will be determined by the Council of Guardians, highlighting the community's structured governance.
- Her survival as an infant was attributed to her grandfather's power, indicating the influence of lineage in societal status.
Kira's Legal Status and Concerns
- Kira is not required to defend herself in the Council because she is labeled as "of two-syllables," a term reflecting her lesser status.
- She harbors a haunting question about her father's death, reflecting her inner turmoil: "Was my father afraid?"
Conflicts and Accusations
- Christopher accuses Vandara of a grave crime, claiming she murdered her child by forcing him to eat a poisonous plant, revealing the dangers of their society.
Cultural Art and Legacy
- Kira's mother was known for her special skill in weaving the Singer's robe, which holds significant cultural importance.
- Blue dye, a color Kira's mother could not create, symbolizes richness and a challenge in Kira's artistic legacy.
- Annabella is introduced as the teacher of Kira's mother in the art of dyeing cloth, signifying the passing of skills through generations.
Shifts in Kira's Life
- Vandara and the women usurp Kira's spot for her cott, showcasing the competitive and harsh nature of their community.
- Kira is appointed as the new weaver of the Singer's robe, indicating a shift in her life’s direction and new responsibilities.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of the first six chapters of 'Gathering Blue'. This quiz covers key plot points, character details, and critical themes presented in the beginning of the story. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of the text.
