Gathering Blue: Key Plot Points and Character Analysis

Gathering Blue: Essential Character and Plot Analysis

Kira’s Journey and Challenges

• What happens to Kira after her mother’s death that puts her life at risk?
  After her mother dies, the villagers want to send Kira to the Field of Leaving because of her disability.
• How does Kira’s disability affect the way the villagers treat her?
  Kira’s disability makes many villagers treat her poorly, viewing her as weak and useless.
• At the start of the novel, how old is Kira?
  At the beginning of the novel, Kira is approximately 12–14 years old.
• Who cared for Kira and helped her survive when she was younger?
  Kira’s mother, Katrina, cared for her during her childhood.
• Why does the Council decide that Kira can continue living in the community?
  The Council allows Kira to stay because she possesses a special talent for embroidery and weaving.
• Describe Vandara’s attitude toward Kira throughout the story.
  Vandara is cruel, hateful, and unfair toward Kira.
• After arriving at the Council Edifice, what responsibility is Kira expected to complete?
  Kira is tasked with repairing and continuing the Singer’s Robe.
• How is Matt different from most children in the village?
  Matt is more curious, brave, and playful than most other children.
• What kind of work does Thomas create for the community?
  Thomas creates wood carvings and repairs the Singer’s staff.
• In what ways are Thomas and Kira alike?
  Thomas and Kira are alike because both are talented artists chosen by the Council.

Vocabulary List

• Whirl: To spin quickly
• Scrawny: Very thin
• Grin: To smile broadly
• Filch: To steal something of small value
• Tyke: A small child
• Shrug: To gesture “I do not know” with the shoulders
• Glance: To look briefly

The Community and Its Secrets

• During the Gathering ceremony, what is the Singer responsible for doing?
  The Singer tells the history of the community through songs.
• Why do the villagers consider the Singer’s Robe valuable and meaningful?
  The robe is valuable because it contains the history and future hopes of the community.
• According to the community’s beliefs, what happens in the Field of Leaving?
  The villagers believe people taken to the Field of Leaving die there peacefully.
• What causes Kira to question the stories she has always believed?
  Kira begins questioning the community's narratives after talking with Annabella and learning new truths.
• Before her death, what important knowledge does Annabella pass on to Kira?
  Annabella teaches Kira the truth about dyes and the lies perpetuated by the community.
• Why is Jo considered a special child in the story?
  Jo is special because she has a beautiful singing voice and may become the next Singer.
• How does Jamison maintain control over the people in the community?
  Jamison controls the community through fear, rules, and secrecy.
• What truth does Matt discover while traveling outside the village?
  Matt discovers there are other villages where people live differently.
• Why does Kira choose not to leave the community at the end of the novel?
  Kira stays because she hopes to help improve and change her community.
• Based on his actions, would you describe Jamison as trustworthy or dangerous?
  Dangerous; Jamison manipulates people and hides the truth from the community.