1. Cerinthe wins a position in the Royal Ballet School through her talent, but Elliana makes her believe she's been rejected because of her working class background. Should a person's background affect their chances of success in their chosen field, or should talent, hard work, and knowledge count the most?

2. Is Cerinthe a strong young woman for mostly ignoring Elliana's taunts, or is she weak for not fighting back? Explain.

3. Was Cerinthe responsible for her mother's death or Elliana's accident?

4. What does the Black Ship represent to you? Is it something to dread, or is it beyond human comprehension?

5. Was Cerinthe right to follow her dream even though it changed? Why or why not?

6. Cerinthe has certain moral standards she will not compromise for success.

How important is her integrity to making her a strong character, and what does integrity mean to you?

7. Would you...