Gild

Discuss and analyze Kennedy’s approach to world building. How does she use physical descriptions of setting and body language to convey Orea’s inherent social structure, flaws, and political biases?

Compare and contrast Midas and Fulke. How does each character embody distinct aspects of The Damaging Effects of Patriarchy?

Examine the ways the novel draws inspiration from the myth of King Midas. How does this inspiration appear in the narrative? How does knowledge of the myth affect the overall interpretation of the novel?

Of the three active antagonists—Midas, Fulke, and Fane—which one is the most dangerous and impactful to the narrative? Support your interpretation with concrete examples from the text.

Analyze the novel’s deliberate use of derogatory terms, misogynistic encounters, and overt sexual content. How does the author use the novel’s most dominant scenes to deliver a broader critique of these same elements in real-world situations? Does Kennedy’s use of exaggerated extremes enhance or detract from this goal?

Compare and contrast Auren’s relationship with Midas to her relationship with Sail. How do these two relationships contribute to Auren’s character development?

How does Auren change and grow as she ventures beyond the castle gates? In what ways does she remain the same? Provide concrete examples from the text to support your views.

How does Kennedy use the primary elements of Gild to either conform to or subvert common romantasy tropes?