Themes
Posted: 01 Sep 2018, 01:43
What were some of the major themes of the book? Do you think the author effectively develop those themes?
Discussion Forums about Books and Reading | Themes
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There's no doubt that ancient cultures are heavy in mysticism. Some of the crossover in similarities between Celtic and Roman deities could come from the process of conversion to more dominant religions or perhaps even just each culture having similar thought processes for explaining certain events. There'l are several theories as to how the Mayans were able to create similar pyramids to the ones built in Egypt despite never having any (recorded) contact. Maybe it isnt so much a theme as a universal experience.CommMayo wrote: ↑01 Sep 2018, 11:27 I think one of the themes the author highlights is the role of mysticism in ancient cultures. The Romans had their gods while the Celts had their own, but similar gods. These gods were often used to influence important decisions and gain public acceptance of choices. This is seen in the beginning of the novel when the King tells Agrona to lead on the villagers about her visions. It seems to me that many cultures today still lean on their gods to influence their world view and decisions.
I think your comment also highlights another major theme. You have generations who are continually perpetuating the same sin their parents did. Mor is pregnant with her lovers baby just as she is supposed to be married off in an arranged marriage, just like her mother.Emilauren96 wrote: ↑02 Sep 2018, 08:34 Forbidden romance. We obviously see this through Catrin and Marcellus the most.
I'm not sure if what I write next is considered a spoiler so please be warned if you haven't read the whole book.
We also see a forbidden romance between Belinus and Mor. At the beginning of the book, Mor is arranged to be married to another, yet she has a 'secret' relationship with Belinus. Rhiannon and Tristan are another pair that comes to mind. Both loved each other and even had two children together despite Rhiannon being married to Amren. The book still shows they have forbidden feelings for each long after that. Marcellus and Eliana are another pair that had a forbidden tryst and Marcellus' grandfather, Lussus, had to fall on his sword for having an affair with the daughter of Augustus.
CommMayo wrote: ↑02 Sep 2018, 09:49I think your comment also highlights another major theme. You have generations who are continually perpetuating the same sin their parents did. Mor is pregnant with her lovers baby just as she is supposed to be married off in an arranged marriage, just like her mother.Emilauren96 wrote: ↑02 Sep 2018, 08:34 Forbidden romance. We obviously see this through Catrin and Marcellus the most.
I'm not sure if what I write next is considered a spoiler so please be warned if you haven't read the whole book.
We also see a forbidden romance between Belinus and Mor. At the beginning of the book, Mor is arranged to be married to another, yet she has a 'secret' relationship with Belinus. Rhiannon and Tristan are another pair that comes to mind. Both loved each other and even had two children together despite Rhiannon being married to Amren. The book still shows they have forbidden feelings for each long after that. Marcellus and Eliana are another pair that had a forbidden tryst and Marcellus' grandfather, Lussus, had to fall on his sword for having an affair with the daughter of Augustus.
Children paying for the sins of their parents at their parents' own hands. And isn't Marcellus pretty much messing up in a similar way...letting love (or more likely sex) guide his decisions. Of course, he seemed ready to leave Catrin behind the minute she didn't roll over about going back to Rome with him.Emilauren96 wrote: ↑02 Sep 2018, 10:08 Yes! I didn't think of that, and Marcellus is constantly compared to his ancestors and how he doesn't want to end up making the same mistakes as them.
I am still reading the book, but at this point I am inclined to agree.AliceofX wrote: ↑01 Sep 2018, 11:54 Bad parents. Amren makes Marrock watch his mother's execution. Rhiannon was physically abusive towards Catrin. Rhan used her son to gain more power and so did Lucius. Everyone sees their children as pawns. I don't think there was a single good parent in the entire book.