Misc. 5
time and place of novel
November, outside, Paris
What does Jacques do for a living?
Why doesn't the gendarme believe he saw a horse enter the Mornay household?
It seemed too unbelievable, and there were no visible hoofprints in the snow.
What does the squirrel mean by 'Might doesn't always make right'?
The squirrel is trying to say that just because a horse is larger, it doesn't mean it deserves the carrot more.
Why is Frida suspicious of gates?
Because Jacques taught her that gates could always close, trapping her.
What happened to Madame's husband and brother?
Died in WWII
How is Raoul different from other ravens?
He likes Paris and has a nest there.
Who are Conrad and Kurt?
Conrad and Kurt are rats living inside the Mornay house, taking advantage of the food and safety.
What are the rat and horse mottos?
Rat Motto: 'Life is short, tunnels are long.' Horse Motto: 'Stay or go.'
Where did Etienne live?
Rue Marroni
Who is the first to realize that Madame has died?
Conrad
Who is Jérôme?
The proprietor of the vegetable market.
What do we learn about Pierre, the head gardener?
He had a wife for a while before they separated and is worried about not reporting the horse.
When is Madame de Mornay's birthday?
January 6 or the Feast of the Epiphany
What is the difference between how Raoul and Sid view nests?
Sid is trying to find the 'perfect' spot, while Raoul feels every nest is subject to the whims of fate.
What happens to Étienne in the long term?
He will stay with Rania and probably be a horse trainer.
Who is Madame (Éveline) de Mornay?
An old woman who has lived through the deaths of her parents, husband, brother, son, and grandson.
How do Pierre and Anaïs meet?
Anaïs notices horse dung and they talk about when she last saw Paras.
What does Raoul do at the end of the novel?
He makes himself an excellent nest close to the training track.
What are Thoroughbreds known for?
Being nervous, quick, smart, and attentive.
What happens to Frida in the end?
She stays with the boy and Paras, and Delphine buys her a bed.
Who is Étienne?
An eight-year-old boy who is the great-grandson of Madame de Mornay.
What significant event happens to Madame's father?
Killed in the first war
What happens to Anaïs at the end?
She ends up with Pierre and they go to races as Delphine's guests.
What does Kurt find at the end of the novel?
He finds a doe named Noelle and they have a litter of rat pups.