1. Why does Marcus decide to befriend Esca after seeing him at the Saturnalia games? What is attractive about Esca's personality?

2. When Esca brings home the wolf cub, he says that it is possible to train such an animal to become tame in the same way that a dog is. Are there any similarities between the cub and Marcus? Between the cub and Esca?

3. Cottia resists her aunt's attempt to give her a Roman name. What does this symbolize for her?

4. The heron feathers on Cradoc's spear, the olive-wood bird, and the bronze eagle share a symbolic meaning in the novel. What do they mean? What is the significance of the eagle's missing wings?

5. Marcus travels disguised as an oculist named Demetrius of Alexandria.

Why is this a well-chosen disguise? Consider both the practical and symbolic reasons.

6. Esca is rewarded for his loyalty with both...