56 pages • 1 hour read
Hanna PylväinenThe End of Drum-Time
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
Examine the theme of family dynamics in The End of Drum-Time. How do the relationships between parents and children, such as those between Ivvár and Biettar or Willa and Lars Levi, reflect the broader societal pressures and cultural shifts occurring in the 19th century?
Consider the role of language in the novel. How does the use of different languages (Sámi, Finnish, Swedish) reflect the cultural identities of the characters? Discuss how language barriers and multilingualism impact communication and relationships within the story.
Investigate the depiction of traditional Sámi practices and rituals in the novel. How do these cultural elements contribute to the characters' sense of identity and belonging? Discuss specific practices or rituals that are highlighted and their significance within the narrative.
Explore the representation of nature and the environment in The End of Drum-Time. How do the natural landscapes and weather conditions influence the plot and the characters' actions? Analyze the relationship between the Sámi characters and their environment compared to the settlers.
Discuss the portrayal of community and social cohesion in the novel. How do the Sámi community's responses to external threats and internal conflicts illustrate their collective resilience? Compare this with the social dynamics within the settler community.
Examine the role of prophecy and omens in The End of Drum-Time. How do characters interpret and respond to signs and portents? Discuss how these elements contribute to the novel's discussions of fate, destiny, and spiritual belief.
Investigate moments of personal transformation in the novel. How do characters like Ivvár, Willa, and Biettar undergo significant changes throughout the story? Discuss the factors that drive their transformations and the implications for their identities and relationships.
Examine the motif of journeys and travel in the novel. How do the physical journeys undertaken by the characters reflect their internal struggles and growth? Discuss the significance of specific journeys and their impact on the narrative.
Discuss the ideas of justice and retribution in the novel. How do characters seek justice for perceived wrongs, and what are the consequences of their actions? Analyze how the novel addresses the concept of justice within the context of cultural and colonial conflict.
Discuss the portrayal of gender roles and expectations in the novel. How do characters like Willa and Risten challenge or conform to the gender norms of their respective cultures? Examine how the novel addresses the intersections of gender, cultural identity, and resistance.
