Escape and Survival
What dangerous obstacle did Tierney face during her escape attempt?
What is Meg Fisher grabbing her ankle as a poacher closed in?
What is expected of the girls when they return from the grace year?
What is to be obedient and silent about their experiences.
What is the purpose of the grace year?
To rid girls of their supposed magic before marriage.
Who is Tierney’s biggest rival among the grace year girls?
Kiersten.
What does the red camellia symbolize in the novel?
Sacrifice and quiet defiance.
Who captured Tierney before she ultimately managed to flee?
Who is Meg Fisher?
How does Tierney’s demeanor change when she returns to the county?
What is she appears broken but secretly remains defiant?
How are women treated in the county before and after their grace year?
As property, first of their fathers, then their husbands.
Who unexpectedly becomes an ally to Tierney?
What does the black ribbon represent in the county’s society?
Submission and obedience.
What survival technique did Tierney use to provide water to the girls?
What is she created a water irrigation system from a brook?
Who forces Tierney to wear the black ribbon of submission?
Who is Michael?
What role do the poachers play in enforcing the county’s control?
They kill runaway girls, ensuring fear remains.
What poacher does Tierney form a connection with?
Ryker.
What is the significance of the well in the grace year camp?
It represents the magic as the moss makes the hallucinate.
How did Tierney defeat Hans?
What is she lured him into a spike pit trap?
How do the other women in the county silently support Tierney upon her return?
They subtly acknowledge her survival and rebellion.
How does Kiersten maintain power over the other girls during their exile?
Through intimidation, manipulation, and violence.
Which character betrays Tierney, leading to a violent confrontation?
Gertie
How does Tierney’s vision of the future differ from the county’s expectations?
She dreams of a future where women are free.
What injury did Tierney sustain during her time in the wilderness?
What is a deep wound on her chest?
What shocking action does Michael take in defense of Tierney?
He publicly defends her, refusing to let her be burned.
What ultimate realization does Tierney come to about how to bring change?
Change must be subtle, planted like seeds for the future.
Who helps Tierney navigate the dangers of the grace year and survive?
Ryker
What is the deeper meaning behind the phrase: “The men will never end the grace year. But maybe we can.”
Women must take control of their own liberation.