The Songbird and the Heart of Stone

What are two tropes Carissa Broadbent uses throughout the novel? How do these tropes contribute to the novel’s characters, relationships, or themes? How do they function as a storytelling technique?

How do the stages of Descent represent the character arcs of Mische and Asar? How does their physical journey reflect their spiritual and emotional ones throughout the novel?

Consider the presence of Ophelia in the novel. The novel is told from Mische’s point of view, thus, Asar’s inner conflicts are not explicitly told on page. What does Ophelia’s role in the novel reveal about Asar’s backstory and the struggles he must overcome over the course of his character arc?

How does Broadbent use the motifs of fire, sun, and birds to develop the novel’s themes and characterization? How do these motifs serve as metaphors for aspects of the characters, and how these metaphorical meanings change as the characters change?

Examine the symbolism of Mische’s phoenix tattoo, especially as it changes and deteriorates throughout the novel as a result of her burns. How does the tattoo function as a physical manifestation of her shifting relationship with Atroxus and her changing identity?

How do Mische’s early experiences and upbringing shape her sense of loyalty and self-worth? How does the fate of those closest to her (Saescha and Eomin) influence her perception of love and affect her relationship with Atroxus?

Analyze the symbolism of the firefinch/phoenix in relation to Mische’s character arc. How do the bird’s fate and Mische’s personal journey reflect themes of freedom, sacrifice, and The Dangers of Unquestioning Loyalty?

Death and resurrection play significant roles in the development of several characters. Discuss how the concept of resurrection (both literal and metaphorical) influences the characters’ emotional states, especially Mische and Asar, and how it ties into themes of forgiveness and redemption.