Sabriel is hovering on the edge of adulthood—eighteen years old and recently graduated from Wyverley College—as Sabriel begins. She's about to transition from a cloistered school existence into a very dangerous world where she must step into a huge job—she inherits major responsibilities as the next Abhorsen, maybe more responsibilities than she deserves.
On top of it all, Sabriel navigates this situation alone, without help from either of her parents. Transitioning from adolescence straight into being the Abhorsen is definitely difficult, and whether or not Sabriel is up to the task is something Nix wants us to think about.
Questions About Coming of Age
- Is Sabriel's transition into adulthood made easier by the fact that she doesn't seem to have a choice in her career? Or is it the opposite?
- What does Sabriel learn about her own abilities as she steps into the role of Abhorsen? What kinds of mistakes does she make due to inexperience?
- How does Sabriel cope without parents to guide her for most of her journey? Did Sabriel's father make the right decision in sending her to school away from the Old Kingdom?
- Is Sabriel forced to grow up too quickly?
Chew on This
Sabriel grows up too fast. She should have done something other than necromancy.
Sabriel's mistakes early in her journey show that she really isn't ready to be the Abhorsen, even though she has to be.