Usually, Robin is a kind person, but he’s cruel to Dame Ellen early in the book, when she is trying to help him. Why does he behave that way? How does he demonstrate his increasing maturity and regard for others as the narrative develops?

How does woodcarving help Robin recover mentally and physically from the effects of his illness? What does this work reveal about the monks’ role in the community?

Explain why Brother Luke wants Robin to learn how to swim and trace the role of swimming throughout the book.