Discussion Questions

1. Why does it not matter what Eric’s true natural-born ability is?
2. What, ultimately, marks the difference between Eric and Jedediah Willard?
3. What specific things contribute to Captain Bellview’s dramatic change of character?
4. What role does loyalty play in the story? Which characters demonstrate it and under what conditions?
5. Is the friendship between Charlotte and Eric one-way or does it benefit both?
6. List out some natural-born abilities that you have. Under what circumstances would they be most useful? How can they be used now in your current situation?
7. What, if any, is the connection between usefulness and someone’s natural-born ability? How useful is Jedediah’s natural-born ability and for whom? What about Charlotte’s and for whom? Eric’s? Other characters’?