Discussion #3: Chapter Six to Nine - Discussion Director

1. If you knew the good and bad consequences of going to Ingo, would you advise Sapphy and Conor to go there? Explain why.

I would advise Sapphy and Conor to go to Ingo but I would inform them of all the consequences of going to Ingo beforehand. I would forewarn them because, as a reader, I could see that Ingo played such an important part in their lives and, therefore, they must make the decision themselves after considering what going to Ingo would mean to their lives. As they have strong Mer blood in them, Sapphy and Conor would very likely find out about Ingo in the future anyway. Also, the chapters I have read led me to think that Sapphy and Conor would play a crucial role in the world of Ingo.

2. If you were a friend of Sapphy and Conor and you did not know anything about Ingo, what were two possible ways you think Mathew Trewhella (their dad) could have died?

If I were a friend to Sapphy and Conor and I did not know anything about Ingo, I think Mathew Trewhella could have died from being eaten by a shark or another type of dangerous fish that tore or bit a hole in his boat. Another possibility could be that upon his return from sailing and, on his way home, he tripped on the slippery, wet rocks, hit his head and died. His body was quickly swept away into the sea by the tide during the night.

3. How would you react if you saw Faro or Elvira? Explain why.

I would be frightened, but also intrigued. This was because to actually see a Mer would be shocking and hard to believe at first. Then, curiosity would set in, particularly when Faro or Elvira did not appear to be threatening or harmful to me. I would probably attempt to find out who they were and where they came from. Seeing someone from Ingo would be an experience that would change my life and open me to a whole new world.

4. Pretend you were from Ingo. How would you feel about divers invading your home?

I would feel angry and violated. I would want to know who the divers were, what they were doing in Ingo, and to deliver them a strong message that they were not welcome in my home. I would want to send them back to the Air. On the other hand, I would probably feel curious about why they would want to invade Ingo when they already have the Air and could live there easily without needing tanks of oxygen to survive.

5. What would you do if you were in Sapphy’s and Conor’s mom’s position? How would you deal with everything going on?

If I were in Sapphy’s and Conor’s mom’s position, I would be terribly worried about them and would be especially concerned about Sapphy who seemed to be acting strangely since Mathew’s disappearance. I would spend a great deal of time with Sapphy and Conor and would talk to them about their feelings and emotions. I would gently try to find out what was going on so that I could understand the situation and to help them deal with what was going on in their minds. Having already lost a husband, I would not want to lose my children as well. I would also make sure that somebody will be home to watch them while I was at work.