Warrior Scarlet

by Rosemary Sutcliff

Overview

In Bronze Age Britain, young Drem must overcome his disability-a withered arm-if he is to prove his manhood and become a warrior.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780374482442
Publisher:	Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication date:	12/31/1994
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

Rosemary Sutcliff (1920-1992) wrote dozens of books for young readers, including her award-winning Roman Britain trilogy, The Eagle of the Ninth, The Silver Branch, and The Lantern Bearers, which won the Carnegie Medal. The Eagle of the Ninth is now a major motion picture, The Eagle, directed by Kevin MacDonald and starring Channing Tatum. Born in Surrey, Sutcliff spent her childhood in Malta and on various other naval bases where her father was stationed. At a young age, she contracted Still's Disease, which confined her to a wheelchair for most of her life. Shortly before her death, she was named Commander of the British Empire (CBE) one of Britain's most prestigious honors. She died in West Sussex, England, in 1992.

Reading Group Guide

Discussion Questions for
Warrior Scarlet
Rosemary Sutcliff describes the Bronze Age in the Historical Note at the beginning of the novel. Find examples in the novel that support
Sutcliff's description of this period in history.
Drem is only nine when he overhears a conversation between Sabra, his mother, and
Cathlan, his grandfather. Cathlan asks, "It likely, think you, that the young one will ever win his way into the Men's side, with a speararm that he cannot use?" [p. 10] How does this conversation alter Drem's world? Discuss how
Drem deals with the dismay and terror that he may never become a warrior. How does Talore help Drem realize that, even with his handicap,
he can go to the Boys' House and take part in the initiation of his Tribe like other twelveyear-
olds?
Describe the arrogance of the young boys when they first arrive at the Boys' House.
What is Luga's role in turning the boys against
Drem? How might Luga be described as a bully? Discuss how Drem deals with the situation. Why does he feel that he is fighting for his place in the Clan?
Discuss the relationship that develops between
Drem and Vortrix, the Chieftain's son. The boys don't always discuss things, but they usually know what the other one is thinking.

How does this make them true soul mates?

Why is Drem "dead to the Tribe" [p. 128] when he fails in his Wolf Slaying? Explain why he must now go and live with the Half People. He finally has his Wolf Slaying. Discuss the reaction of the Tribe.
When the King dies, there is a Death Feast and the crowning of a new King. Describe other rites, ceremonies, and customs of the Tribe.
How are these rituals similar to ones in other cultures today?
Religion plays a significant role in the novel.
How is the religion of the Dark People different from the religion of Drem's Tribe?
Why does he fear losing his faith?
How does Blai come back into Drem's life?
Drem knows that he and Blai belong together,
because "she knew the things that he knew."
[p. 206] What knowledge do the two young

lovers share?

Editorial Reviews

[A] stark and beautifully written story.” —Saturday Review

From the Publisher