Powerless

How is Kai and Kitt’s relationship characterized? How does it evolve over the course of the story? Why do they have different opinions about what is best for the kingdom?

Based on the conventions of young adult dystopian fiction, what major themes does Powerless set up for the following books? What common tropes does the novel use, and how do they impact the story?

What is the role of the Trials in the narrative? For example, how do they support the novel’s world building, characterization, and/or main themes? Use textual evidence to support your answer.

Aside from the main characters, which characters or elements challenge The Definition of Power? How is the difference between external power as a means of control and internal power as a means of self-confidence and strength developed?

How is the symbolism of masks used to characterize Kai throughout the narrative? Use textual evidence to support your answer.

What purpose does the dual first-person narration serve in the novel, and to what effect? How would the impact have differed with a single narrator or with third-person narration?

What commentary about real-life issues does the theme of Social Hierarchies and Oppression provide? Use examples from the text to draw comparisons between the novel and real social structures or disparities.

How is Kitt’s moral dilemma developed throughout the novel? What message does it convey? Is Paedyn right to betray him, or do her actions do more harm than good?