Even though magic is a real thing in Splendors and Glooms, it doesn't protect any of the characters from their fair share of misery and pain. Clara Wintermute grows up in a rich home with any material thing she could want—but her entire life is shrouded in sadness because all four of her siblings died seven years ago of cholera. And Lizzie Rose and Parsefall definitely have it hard: they are poor, bedraggled, and often don't know where their next meal is coming from. Even Cassandra, who is a powerful witch with a grand home, is suffering from the effects of the phoenix-stone and fears that she will die by fire. How utterly terrifying.
Questions About Suffering
- Do you think that having the power of the phoenix-stone has made Cassandra any happier? Why or why not? Give evidence from the book to back up your claim.
- Why is Clara's mother so distant from her only living daughter? Why doesn't she treat her with more love? Be specific.
- How does Parsefall feel when he finds out how he lost his finger? Why?
Chew on This
Even though Clara thinks her mother has suffered the most from her siblings' deaths, it's Clara who has had the hardest time.
Parsefall may not remember losing his finger, but he has a sense that he went through something terrible and disturbing. Otherwise, he wouldn't have so many nightmares.