Beautiful Darkness Discussion Questions

  1. The book begins with a quote from Plato: “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” What do you think this quote means? How does the quote relate to this story?
  2. At Macon’s funeral, Lena is given a small silver sparrow (p. 16). Is this gift symbolic? Why or why not?
  3. As Ethan wonders about Lena’s destiny, he comments, “There was a choice to be made, and Lena hadn’t made it. The songs never lied. At least, they hadn’t yet” (p. 23). Later, Ethan learns that he has his own destiny as well. Do you think Lena will ultimately have to Claim herself for Light or Dark? Do you believe fate will play a role in her choice?
  4. When Ethan gives Lena the mini Sharpie, he explains, “It wasn’t anything special, but I’d had it for a while now, and I was hoping it might help her find her way back to herself” (p. 39). What does Ethan mean in this statement? Can you think of an item that might represent your personality or identity in this way? Explain.
  5. Ethan and Lena are studying Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde at school. How do you think the themes of that story relate to this book?
  6. When Ethan first meets Liv, he’s surprised by her lighthearted personality: “She was easy to be around, like I’d known her forever” (p.127). Later, Liv is willing to make a great personal sacrifice to help Ethan, Link, Ridley, and Lena. Have you ever met someone like Liv? Describe him or her.
  7. Marian, referencing Galileo, states, “He knew, perhaps better than anyone, that we don’t get to choose what is true. We only get to choose what we do about it” (p. 270). Explain what Marian means. How does her statement apply to the situation Ethan is facing?
  8. Ethan, Lena, and Liv often reference lines from well-known plays, novels, and songs—from Shakespeare to Pink Floyd. Do you have a favorite quotation? Explain what it means to you.
  9. At the end of the book, Lena questions what it means to “fit in” (p. 482). Do you think Lena will ever find her place in the Supernatural and Mortal worlds? Have you ever felt torn between two different groups?
  10. What do you think the future holds for Link? For Ridley? How might they adjust to their new roles?

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Permalink Reply by Sydney Duchannes on July 27, 2011 at 5:09pm

2. The Sparrow in the Castor World is Symbolic it means Freedom I believe?!

3. Lena is always afraid of her destiny I believe she at the end of all this will decide her own fate, Again!

6. I've never meet anyone like that no one is like that any more. It's sort of sad!

7. You can't change whats true like you can't decide how things happen or what things are you can only react too them. So, Ethan has to deal with whats happening and React to it.

8. Remember the most Beautiful things in the world are the most useless. John Ruskin, The Stones of Venice, I. To me this means to not over look the useless but to actually think and see their Beauty!

9. I think she will only fit in inside Ethan's heart because he's the only one who even comes close to knowing the true Lena. I've been torn between Normal and Different My whole life. What is Normal?

10. All I know is It's not going to be easy for them!   

Permalink Reply by Sydney Duchannes on October 20, 2011 at 6:35pm
No one Responds to these Questions. Why. Show a little Caster Spirit!
Permalink Reply by Amanda on October 23, 2011 at 1:24am

2. In the castor World a sparrow represents freedom. Since Lena is a natural and can choose her destiny (whether or not she is a light or dark castor), I believe that the sparrow is a reminder that she had the freedom to choose her destiny this entire time, even though she didn't think so.

4. The gift represents Lena; the kind of person who is free to make her own choices. However, like a sharpie, whatever action she makes is permeneant. When a castor is claimed it is a permeneant thing. I think the sharpie is a reminder that her actions are permeanant, so she must choose wisely. In Ethan's case he wants her to come back to him, so I think he gives the sharpie in hope that she makes the right decision. 

As for an item that represents me, I am not really sure. Maybe a book because you can never judge a book by its cover, it depends on what is on the inside. I don't know

5. In the story, Dr. Jeckyle and Mr. Hyde, it is believed that the soul is made up of two separate distinctions: good and evil. The idea was that god and evil are two separate beings that never get along. In the story, Dr. Jeckylle tried to differentiate the two beings in his expirements; however, the expirements failed and that is why Dr. Jeckylle turns into Mr. Hyde. Dr. Jeckyle being on the good side and Mr. Hyde being on the evil one. In Lena's case, ever since Macon died she has been not acting herself. Her personality turns dark, like Mr. Hyde, but at times, mostly when Ethan is around, she acts like her old self, like Dr. Jeckyle.

 

6. I believe Liv is a strong character and a great friend to Link and Ethan. Unfortunately I have never met someone like that in the form of a friend. However, I believe my mom is most like Liv. She is always there for me regardless of the mistakes I made and I know she would help me, no questions asked. I am lucky to have a mom as great as she is because I know most people in this world don't, and I am truly greatful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Permalink Reply by Amanda on October 23, 2011 at 1:28am
I responded to the questions!

Sydney Duchannes said:
No one Responds to these Questions. Why. Show a little Caster Spirit!
Permalink Reply by Sydney Duchannes on October 26, 2011 at 8:57pm
Which Amanda are you? There's like ten different Amanda's on here. Can you give me the link to your page or friend me?

Amanda said:
I responded to the questions!

Sydney Duchannes said:
No one Responds to these Questions. Why. Show a little Caster Spirit!
Permalink Reply by Amanda on October 28, 2011 at 2:10am
My name is Amanda Robertson and I am 17 years old. I am the one that lives in California. And to get to my page just copy this link: http://beautifulcreaturesnovels.com/profile/Amanda389

Sydney Duchannes said:
Which Amanda are you? There's like ten different Amanda's on here. Can you give me the link to your page or friend me?

Amanda said:
I responded to the questions!

Sydney Duchannes said:
No one Responds to these Questions. Why. Show a little Caster Spirit!
Permalink Reply by Sydney Duchannes on November 22, 2011 at 4:53pm

When will you guys post the Beautiful Chaos discussion questions!!!!!!!!!!????????????????!?!?!?!?!!

Permalink Reply by Sydney Duchannes on November 22, 2011 at 4:57pm

I really love this series and this website but You guy's(Gatlin County Library) aren't updating the site anymore. You need to assign monitors for the site, the people who get on a lot.

Permalink Reply by Alex Duchannes on February 18, 2012 at 5:49pm

8. It is not the end. It is not even the beging of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the begining. Winston Churchill

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