Alanna: The First Adventure Song of the Lioness Quartet By Tamora Pierce Book Talk by Mariah Ramsour
Author’s website: http://www.tamora-pierce.net
Tamora Pierce has written several novels including: the Song of the Lioness quartet, the Circle of Magic quartet, the Protector of the Small quartet, The Circle Opens quartet, the Trickster duet, and other short stories. Pierce is the winner of the Margaret A. Edwards Award and has been in several bestseller lists. She currently lives in Syracuse, NY. Alanna’s story was Pierce’s first published set of novels. She often incorporates strong female protagonists who try to break gender stereotypes. From a young age she was inspired to write about strong female characters in the fantasy genre, and has since developed her voice as an established fantasy author. Pierce draws inspiration from her own life, incorporating issues such as: bullying, absentee parents, and gender stereotypes.
Summary of Alanna: the First Adventure:
In a world where females are forbidden to become knights, Alanna of Trebond wants nothing more than to join the ranks of knighthood in the palace. She convinces her twin brother Thom to switch places, cuts her hair, and takes on the identity of Alan of Trebond. The story details Alanna’s training as a page, where she deals with bullies, rigorous coursework, and ultimately trying to make sure no one finds out about her deep secret. However, Alanna soon realizes that becoming a knight is not as easy as she thought it would be. She battles with trying to keep her identity a secret, building friendships, and accepting her unwanted magical abilities. But sooner rather than later Alanna’s destiny catches up with her and she struggles to accept the long road ahead. From the voice of a hot tempered and blunt female voice, Alanna takes the readers on a humorous, adventure filled journey to discovering the trials and difficulties of being a girl in a patriarchal environment.
Key Passages:
1. Alanna convinces Thom to switch places with her. She is to go to the palace to train as a knight, while Thom will go to the convent to train in magic. This scene kicks off the novel, and shows one of Alanna’s most prominent characteristics: cleverness. “‘That is my decision. We need not discuss it,’ said the man at the desk… Alanna nodded, ‘Let’s go find Maude’” (1-4). 2. As Alanna enters her first day as a page, she encounters her first fight with Ralon. He instantly singles her out and it is through these exchanges that Alanna learns patience, perseverance, and the ability to fight like a boy. In the process she becomes friends with several of the other boys, learning loyalty, and the power of friendship. “Someone behind Alanna grabbed… She had made her first enemy” (30-33). 3. Alanna has refrained from using her gift. She has always been uncomfortable with magic but Maude foresaw that Alanna’s healing abilities would only strengthen her and would balance the lives Alanna was bound to take as a knight. Alanna finally starts to recognize the need for magic when several boys start to fall ill from a magical disease. “‘You can do nothing here,’ he told the other nobles… ‘I think the Prince actually has a chance’” (102-104). 4. At this point in the novel Alanna has been able to hide her identity, but has not had to deal with any significant changes. However, she soon starts her period, and struggles to accept that she is a woman despite her valiant efforts in acting like a boy. Having no knowledge of what a period is, she seeks help a fellow female. “‘You poor child,’ she chuckled… ‘Fat chance I have of forgetting’” (157-161).
Resources/Ideas/Discussion Topics Related to the Novel:
1. http://old.religiouseducation.net/proceedings/HeroinesJourneys.pdf Heroine’s Journey; Different perspective on the traiditional Hero’s Journey, focusing more on what females want to emulate and the trials that females endure while still following the step-by-step process and plot line of a hero. It allows female readers to connect on a more intimate and personal level, whereas in the traditional Hero’s stories females must shape and morph to connect with the male perspective. This new perspective allows young girls to admire and connect to a female character, going through similar situations and experiences, while also allowing female’s to find comfort in being whatever they want to be and even embracing a tomboy personality. a. Similar storyline to the infamous Disney movie Mulan. Compare and contrast the differences or similarities between Alanna and Mulan. Discuss the importance of friendship and how it applies to both the novel and the movie. Discuss the sense of isolation that both characters may or may not feel. Are the characters in denial of their sex? Compare and contrast the parental figures in both the novel and movie- how does this affect the characters? 2. Family: Alanna rarely discusses the relationship between her and her father, often remarking on how he is too busy with his scrolls to take notice of her or her brother. How does this affect Alanna in the long run? From whom does she seek guidance? Discuss what male figures in the novel start to take on the father figure, and why this is important. How does the absence of her mother shape Alanna? 3. Friendship: How does Alanna make friends? Why do some of the boys admire Alanna? In what ways does Alanna show absolute loyalty? How does her friendship evolve Alanna as a character? Discuss ways in which Alanna still feels isolated despite the fact that she has loyal, loving friends. If Alanna did not have the support of her friends how would the novel shift/Alanna’s character change?
Alanna: The First Adventure could fall under two categories according to Adolescents in the Search for Meaning: Tapping the Powerful Resource of Story. The novel could fall under “Books about Identity, Discrimination, and Struggles with Decisions” due to the fact that Alanna struggles to find the middle ground of becoming a knight and being female. Alanna finds it difficult to accept her identity both in terms of sex and in terms of being a person capable of magical abilities. She even fears discrimination from her peers, thus hiding her true identity. However, given that this is based in the fantasy world of Tortall, it could fall under the category of “Books on Allegory, Fantasy, Myth, and Parable.” The novel incorporates magic, knighthood, and gods, all of which are completely from the imagination of Pierce.
Text Complexity:
Lexile Measure: 690L, 6th grade reading level Dale-Chall score: 5.9, 5th/6th grade reading level
The diction in the novel is simple and easy for students to understand. Students can easily follow the plot lines developed in the novel. The structure of the novel is clear and follows a step-by-step process, developing gradually into more complex ideas and themes. However, the themes discussed in the novel are easy to locate and are simple enough for readers to understand even if they cannot directly relate. The novel does not use foul language, has limited use of alcohol, it does mention several violent acts but does not glorify violence, and touches on life experiences that female readers will find comforting and relatable. While some may say that the novel is not complex enough for older groups, the themes are still relatable; and since so few female protagonist novels exist, it can easily be implemented in discussions of female power and perspective. Furthermore, this novel is a perfect beginning stage for the fantasy genre, allowing the reader to delve into a magical world, while also relating to the inner and outer struggles of the protagonist.
Exeter Qualities:
1. Characters who reflect experiences of teen readers, something that is not found in much of the literary canon, especially when it comes to strong female protagonists. 2. Characters who go beyond typical experiences so that readers can use the fictional experiences to learn and develop in their own lives. 3. Themes that allow the possibility of emotional and intellectual growth through engagement with personal issues.