Setting
The tale unfolds with the resonant chimes of the colossal bell perched high in Kronengred's watchtower, heralding the dawn for its citizens. For Willadene, burdened by poverty, orphanhood, and the whims of a tyrannical guardian, the day is met with a heavy heart. In a fashion typical of medieval European towns, the Duke's imposing castle looms over all in Kronengred, casting its shadow not just physically, but through his stringent rule enforced by Reeves and their guards. While commerce fuels the town's murmur, the townsfolk abide by the Duke's decrees, whereas the elite live by their own set of rules. Here, magic and superstition weave into the very fabric of life, in a world where machines are scarce and life ambles at a leisurely pace.
The Duke's reign is secured by the accident of birth, his authority unquestioned by law which bars a woman from ruling. He ascended to power in the wake of a devastating plague that claimed the lives of all other male successors. The late Duke's daughter, Lady Saylana, harbors aspirations of ruling through her son, should the current Duke meet his end before naming a successor. The present Duke, father only to Lady Mahart, finds his lineage at a standstill, for she cannot inherit the throne. The narrative underscores the medieval notion of women as mere property, valued for their service to their fathers or husbands, with little thought given to their autonomy. The attire of the noblewomen, designed to distinguish them as decorative and cherished possessions, speaks volumes of their societal role.
Halwice, the herb mistress, stands as a remarkable exception. Her dignified demeanor allows her to mingle with the aristocracy, while her empathy garners the trust and admiration of common folk. Her mastery of herbal lore elevates her status, winning the esteem of the Duke and his Chancellor, Vazul, by virtue of her integrity and insight.
The Sisters of Bright Star embody the town's spiritual life, revered by all social strata. They traverse the town, collecting alms, and in return, they minister to the impoverished and destitute. Their devout practices amplify the story's medieval ambiance. The blessings of the Sisters are fervently sought after by the populace. Tasked at times with verifying the social standing of individuals, a verdict from the Sisterhood can seal one's reputation. Halwice enjoys their endorsement.
Then there is Willadene, whose life took a tragic turn when her father fell battling outlaws for the Duke, and her mother, a skilled midwife, succumbed to the plague. Had her mother survived, Willadene would have been groomed to follow in her footsteps as a caregiver and midwife. Instead, she was placed under the custody of Jacoba, her domineering aunt and proprietor of the Wayfarer's Inn, whose temper is as unpredictable as a summer storm. Jacoba's authority remains unchallenged until Willadene reaches the age of sixteen.
Literary Qualities
Norton masterfully crafts the mood and backdrop of her novel with an array of literary devices. Through authentic period language and vocabulary, insightful flashbacks, and a tapestry of perspectives, she transports readers into the heart of the medieval era's societal divide. Her use of symbolism is straightforward yet profound, ensuring it resonates with a broad audience.
The characters' names evoke a distant past, places steeped in mystery and time. Willadene rises to the resonate chimes of the town bell, her modest straw bed covered with tattered rags, a stark testament to her place in society. Her name conjures images of a lush, wooded valley, perhaps with a meandering stream. The town, cocooned by walls and anchored by the castle, speaks of its modest size. The looming shadow of...
(This entire section contains 540 words.)
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the plague marks the era clearly. Willadene dresses in patched garments, striving for a semblance of fit. Her "lank" hair, "smoke-darkened stone" hearth, and her proximity to being listed as "one and twenty days away from Reeve as a full woman" immerse readers deeper into this bygone time.
"Mahart" carries a romantic allure, reflecting her societal standing. Her morning greeting to her father, "Give you a fair day, Father, and may fortune favor you," is steeped in formality. Her timidity with her father signifies a dynamic poised for evolution, highlighting her subservience to his authority and her limited autonomy.
Both Willadene and Mahart cherish memories of nurturing figures, finding solace in these recollections during challenging times. Willadene is transported by the scents of woodlands and fields, recalling herb-gathering ventures with her mother. Nicolas's woodcraft lessons resonate because of these memories, and she shows reverence for his teachings as she forages plants for their meal. Mahart draws fortitude from her nurse's comforting presence during her childhood, embodying compassion by aiding the impoverished at the Abbey of the Star and ensuring her horse's safety in Ishbi.
The narrative unfolds through the eyes of these two young women, their perspectives shaped by their distinct societal roles. As the chapters alternate between them, readers are drawn toward the intersection of their journeys and the eventual vanquishing of malevolence. Along the way, shared traits emerge, fostering credible trust and friendship, suggesting that fairy tales can indeed manifest, with the girls triumphing independently.
Symbolism of goodness permeates the Star, its illuminating light, the Heart-Hold plant, and fragrances of purity. In contrast, evil is adorned with an ostentatious beauty, foul odors, the ferns of Ishbi, and the color green. The clarity of these symbols is likely a captivating feature for young adult audiences.
The central motif of the tale is aromatherapy, which Norton skillfully weaves throughout to root readers in a familiar yet heightened reality. For Willadene, blessed with an acute olfactory talent, smell is pivotal. Her nose swiftly propels her to expertise in herbology. She rescues Nicolas from evil's grasp when her sense alerts her to its approach. It guides her to Ishbi and Mahart just in time to confront the menace. Another key motif is magic—the power to wield plants and herbs for good or ill. Halwice concocts a herbal blend to induce restful dreams for Mahart. Her recurring dream becomes a symbol of her resilience against adversity, hinting at a place she must seek out.
For Further Reference
"Andre Norton." Within the pages of Contemporary Literary Criticism, vol. 12, Detroit: Gale, 1980, pp. 445-72, lies a comprehensive collection of reviews chronicling works up to the year 1979.
"Andre Norton." Published in UXL Junior Discovering Authors. Detroit: UXL, 1998, this entry offers a detailed biography, an exhaustive list of her creations, references, and reviews found across various publications.
Coker, John L., III. "Days of Wonder, A Conversation with Andre Norton." Tangent Magazine (Fall, 1996). This article features an intimate interview with Andre Norton where she reveals her ambitious move to Tennessee to establish the High Hallack Retreat, a sanctuary for writers of genre fiction.
Green, Roland. An insightful review of Ciara's Song: A Chronicle of the Witch World.Booklist (June 1, 1998): 1736.
Green, Roland. A discerning critique of Scent of Magic.Booklist (August, 1998): 1979.
A review of Scent of Magic. appears in Publishers Weekly (July 27, 1998): 58.
A review of The Warding of Witch World. featured in Publishers Weekly (September 16, 1996): 75.
Wahlstrom, Billie J. "Alice Mary Norton." In American Women Writers, vol. 3. New York: Frederick Ungar Publishing Co., 1981, pp. 278-281, this work includes a concise biography and an array of her notable works.
RELATED WEBSITES
Taddeo, Linda. "Who Is Andre Norton? Basic Information about the Grande Dame of SF-F." Visit andre-norton.org for enriching biographical details on Norton.
Zalenski-Ejgierd, Machiej. "Biography of Andre Norton." Accessible online at andrenorton.org (January 5, 1999), this biography provides an in-depth look at her life.
Zaleski-Ejgierd, Maciej. "Awards Andre Norton Received." Explore the accolades she garnered at andrenorton.org (January 22, 1999).
