Children of Virtue and Vengeance

How do the themes of the text relate to history? Choose a theme and trace its development throughout Children of Virtue and Vengeance and then consider it alongside a significant historical event. How does it connect fact and fiction?

What is the role of trauma in the text? How do past events in the characters’ lives influence their decisions in the present? What literary techniques does the author use to portray this?

Identify two external and two internal conflicts. Who is involved, and how are these conflicts resolved? In what ways do these resolutions, or lack thereof, impact the theme(s) of the text?

Why is the setting of Nigeria important to the story? Consider the setting of Orïsha and then discuss how the story is reflective—or not reflective—of present-day Nigeria.

Consider Zélie’s character development throughout the text. In light of her development, what is the significance of Roën interrupting her at the end?

According to Tomi Adeyemi, “The power of fantasy is that you can make people understand the deeper realities of our world in a way that they wouldn’t normally be able to because of all the things in our world that closes them off” (Franklin, MJ. “Tomi Adeyemi: ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Is an Allegory for the Modern Black Experience.” Mashable, 9 Mar. 2018). How does this novel allow people to see “deeper realities” of the world? Consider specific plot points, characters, themes, and/or conflicts in your response.

Three characters share their point of view throughout the text. How does this impact the novel’s themes?

Consider the future of Orïsha. Inan expresses his fear that the nation without a monarchy would be “chaos.” In what way is he correct? What perspectives does the text offer on this idea?