All's fair in love and war, some say. But is it really? After all, someone always ends up getting hurt—literally, emotionally, or both. Theo faces these same problems when he hooks up with Florian and his children, who want to overthrow the current government. Any revolution's got to wind up involving hurting other people in some way, shape, or form… and is that fair? When is it time for warfare, and when is it time for peace? Theo struggles with these issues—and many more—as he is swept along in the current of revolt that courses through Westmark.
Questions About Warfare
- What do different characters consider acceptable when it comes to violence in this book? What does their position say about them?
- Do the people of Westmark think warfare is the best way to solve issues of tyranny? Why or why not?
- What other kinds of warfare are there besides violence? How are they shown in this book?
- There might just always be another alternative to outright warfare, but is it the most effective for those who enact it in Westmark?
Chew on This
Even those enacting warfare, like Florian, might not always know if that's the best way to achieve their goals.
Characters in power in Westmark wage different kinds of war, not all involving weapons.