1. In her desperate quest to find sanctuary for her son, the dragon's mother seeks a haven where humans won't pose a threat. "It's all those stories and legends," she laments. Delve into the rich tapestry of dragon tales and myths woven into the fabric of European literature. Then, juxtapose these with enchanting narratives from Oriental traditions.

2. Dive into an exploration of Matilda's moral compass. What ideals does she hold dear? What transgressions does she view as unforgivable? Examine how her ethical beliefs stand in contrast with those of other characters in the narrative.

3. The author paints a portrait of Angus Og as "a big man—though perhaps not quite as big as he believed." Investigate Angus' personal definition of what it means to be a "big man." Reflect on how his actions measured up to this self-imposed standard.