Trail of Lightning

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2018

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Introduction

Before Reading

During Reading

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Throughout the novel, Maggie struggles to respond to the evils she faces. What is the overall role of evil and corruption in the novel? Consider these points as you reflect on the text to answer the question.

What evils do Maggie and other characters experience throughout the novel?
What is the nature of evil, and where does it come from?
Which characters commit evil actions in the story, and what makes these actions evil?
What actions do characters take to resist, overcome, or repair evils, and what lesson does this teach about facing evil?
In what ways does Rebecca Roanhorse explore evil as a universal concept, and in what ways does she explore Diné-specific concepts of evil? What differences do you notice in how each is defined and appears in the story?

Teaching Suggestion: Students may benefit from written copies of the questions to refer to while discussing. Students may also benefit from previewing questions ahead of time to prepare in-depth answers and refer more directly to the text. Nonverbal or socially anxious students may benefit from submitted written responses instead of participation in a class discussion.