The Priory of the Orange Tree

Why has Sabran IX delayed getting married? Why does she ask Niclays Roos to brew her an elixir of immortality? Based on textual evidence, discuss if the pressure to marry and have a child plays a role in Sabran’s decisions.

At the beginning of the novel, Tané hides a stranger from the authorities. What are her motives in doing so? Is the decision as self-serving as Tané sometimes believes? Examine Tané’s decision, using evidence from the novel.

Describe the relationship between Tané and Nayimathun, using examples from the novel.

What beliefs do the East, West, and South each hold about dragons? Briefly describe each, using textual evidence.

The novel uses several old-fashioned and archaic words such as “wyvern” and “codpiece.” List five other such words and explain their meanings in the context of the narrative. Why does the author include these words in the text? Discuss how the text’s vocabulary impacts your reading experience.

The perspective of major characters changes throughout the text. Using supporting examples from the novel, show the evolving perspective of any two of these characters: Tané, Ead, Loth, and Niclays.

Author Samantha Shannon has described the novel as a “feminist retelling of the legend of George and the Dragon.” Using textual and online research, recount this legend briefly. Then make a list of the ways in which Shannon’s story changes the legend and briefly discuss the significance of three of those changes.

Apart from the evil represented by the Nameless One, there is also evil in Sabran’s court and in Yscalin. Using the examples of Igrain Crest and Lord Sigoso, show how and why humans commit evil acts against each other.