Tehanu | Topics for Discussion & Projects

Tehanu Topics for Discussion

1. "High fantasy" is a term some critics use to define books in which the author creates a world entirely different from our own. Is Tehanu a high fantasy? What are the characteristics of the created world?

2. What motivated Tenar to adopt Therru? What difficulties does such an adoption have?

3. Tenar's relationship to the two witches in the story, Ivy and Aunty Moss, changes. What is it initially, and why does the relationship change?

4. When Ged returns from his journey on Kelessin, what is wrong with him? Why does he wish to avoid people, especially his friend, King Lebannen?

5. Le Guin has created a sexist world in Tehanu. What aspects of the social lives of women seem unfair?

6. Magic is a major part of Earthsea culture. Who practices it, and at what levels? What does...
(read more)