Discuss the parallels between the narrative's three male orphans - Natalia's grandfather, the apothecary, and Darisa the Bear. Consider and comment on the similarities in their childhood circumstances, their interests and values, their adult experiences, and the circumstances and meanings of their deaths. Is there any relationship, do you think, between their being orphaned and the fact that Natalia takes care of orphans?

What did tigers represent for Natalia's grandfather? What do they mean to him? Relate that meaning to the experiences, beliefs and values of the other characters - in other words, what is the metaphoric connection between the grandfather's obsession with / experience of tigers and, for example, Natalia's experiences with her grandfather, or with the mora? What about the grandfather's experiences with the Deathless Man?

Why do you think so many important characters (i.e. Natalia's grandfather, the tiger's wife, the blacksmith...