Reading Guide
THE “SHOW NO MERCY” DISCUSSION GUIDE
Show no mercy in holding back your responses to the story. Why? We learn best through story. They teach us about who we are and how we fit into the world. Even though you might not know what’s going to come out of your mouth when you give an answer, you might be surprised by what you learn about yourself or others. So, show no mercy! It’s all good.
WARNING: PROCEED WITH CAUTION!
Some of these questions reveal key plot details. If you haven’t read Secret Speakers, but are planning to, proceed with caution to avoid spoiling the story.
- How does the author demonstrate in writing what Fair is going through, what the world looks and feels like to her? How do the Secret Speakers influence Fair’s story when they describe what they see and hear?
- How much responsibility do you think Fair bears for what happens to her throughout the story? How much of her behavior, if any, is driven by fear? Is she motivated by something else? How much is a result of the circumstances of her upbringing? What aspects of her upbringing influence Fair to respond to her challenges?
- Look at the scene that takes place on the platform of punishment on pages 142-146. What prompts Fair to go up to Miss Tilly in the presence of a Protector? Is there something similar about moments throughout the story when Fair chooses to see her world and others through new eyes, and in those moments is it a choice she makes?
- How did your thoughts about Harrold King change over the course of the novel? What clues does the author give that he might not be what he seems? Have you ever known someone who concealed their true motives from the people in his or her life?
- What is is about Sauveren that helps Fair feel loved? Why did the author choose to have Sauveren be a dog?
- What were your impressions of Pewgen Flype? Why are the matternots afraid of him? Do you know anyone who is afraid of standing up to someone in their life? If so, how would their life be different if they acted like Fair?
- How would you describe what Fair’s quest really is? It is described by her Secret Speaker, Liver. Secret Speakers can view events, hear, and report what people are saying and doing. Find and note the passage that gives the best description of who Liver is and his purpose.
- What kind of pictures do Secret Speakers paint of the world we live in today? Do you think the oppression of children had a strong influence on the author in creating the caves of Osden Shorn? Do teenagers have the same chance at opportunity today that the matternots have?
- Why do you think Lariel chooses to teach Fair from the Scrolls of Truth when Fair lives in the cellar? How is education important for children and teens around the world? Do you think it’s more important to educate girls or boys? Why?
- Do you think the Ruby Eye has any meaning, if any? Why do you think the author chose to use that symbol? Was it intentional?
- Fair’s eventual blindness prevents her from seeing essential things about the world around her, but the Ruby Eye allows her to see things in different ways. Why is the Ruby Eye important to the story? Is your life or the lives of people in general influenced mainly by the way they choose to see things? How important is choice? How important is perception?
- How does Fair cope with her loneliness in the cellar as a child? How does she cope with it in the caves of Osden Shorn? What are the similarities and differences? Do you know people who are lonely? Do they have supporting influences? Would they be helped if they did?
- Could Fair have survived without having other supportive characters around her? Who were her “safe” characters? Why were they important? Who are your safe characters? Do you know anyone who doesn’t have safe characters in their life?
- Who are some of your favorite characters and why?
I would like to thank the Annenberg Foundation for providing me with inspiration on the title for the reading guide. While watching your instructional videos, I heard a teacher use the words, “Show no mercy.” It has stayed with me ever since. Thank you. I would also like to thank Kathleen T. Horning for helpful guidance in putting together the reading guide.
