Blood of Elves

Yennefer and Geralt are both at the margins of society because they are not “normal” humans, but Yennefer’s position is more acceptable than Geralt’s; she is a sorceress while he is a witcher. Explore the differences between their respective social statuses in relation to the novel’s examination of The Nature of Monstrosity, usefulness, and fear.

In Chapter 4, Geralt teaches Ciri the history of Aelirenn and Shaerrawedd. Keeping this context in mind, discuss the symbolic significance of the White Rose that Ciri picks.

Before Chapter 3, there is an excerpt from Carla Demetia Crest’s fictional text, The Trial of Grasses and other secret Witcher practices. The excerpt is an eyewitness account of the brutal mutations a young witcher endures, and it also states this text is only accessible to the Chapter of Wizards. Consider this passage alongside Triss’s musings on witcher–wizard relations and write an essay in which you examine who The Trial is for, as well as how Crest’s account illuminates Triss’s anxiety about Ciri and the witchers.

Conduct a rhetorical analysis of the three passages preceding Chapter 5 (an excerpt from Monstrum, a quotation from Radovid III, and graffiti at Oxenfurt): What is each author’s argument, who might their audience be, and how do they appeal to that audience?

Nicodemus de Boot claims that “murder is always murder,” regardless of who does it and how/why it happens (267). How does de Boot’s assertion compare or contrast with Geralt and Ciri’s perception of the violence they engage in to protect themselves and others?

Consider the audience’s discussion of the role truth plays in both history and storytelling in Chapter 1. Does the novel suggest there is any common ground between poetic invention and historical record? How does the crowd’s debate help us better understand the complexities and possible roots of the Racial Tensions Between Humans and Nonhumans?

The novel deconstructs several common literary tropes. For example, Yennefer’s relationship with Ciri defies the trope of a “cold” woman who is “softened” by her desire to be a mother. Identify two other tropes and explore how the narrative works to deconstruct them.

In Chapter 3, Geralt doubts Triss’s ability to be loyal to the Brotherhood and keep her promise to protect Ciri. Explore the potential reasons for his doubt, and contrast Triss’s dilemma with how Dandelion navigates his dual loyalty to Geralt and Dijkstra in Chapter 5.