Fable

Select two of the relationships Young uses to advance the theme of The Perils of Attachment Versus the Need for Belonging. These relationships could be familial, such as Saint and Fable or West and Willa, or romantic, such as Fable and West, Saint and Isolde, or Auster and Paj. How do the characters in each relationship offer one another a sense of belonging? How do they attempt to mitigate the perils of attachment, and to what extent do they succeed?

How does the author portray Saint and West as foil characters? Compare and contrast their personality traits, origins, and leadership styles.

Discuss the tangible and intangible inheritances that the protagonist receives from her parents. How does Fable’s familial legacy inform her opportunities, obstacles, and relationships? How does this theme impact the story’s overall meaning?

Why must Fable and West undertake a quest for autonomy? What progress do they make toward this goal, and what barriers still lie ahead for them by the end of the novel?

Throughout the novel, Young utilizes imagery to describe the world of the Narrows. How does her use of imagery develop the novel’s setting, mood, and Fable’s understanding of her place in this world?

How does the Lark symbolize both belonging and familial legacy? How does the ship contribute to Fable’s character arc and the novel’s structure?

How is Jeval both beautiful and treacherous? How is Fable shaped by the island, and to what extent does her transformation on Jeval vindicate Saint’s decision to leave her there?

How does Willa’s dagger illustrate the perils of attachment? How does Young use this symbol to provide character development and foreshadowing?