- "I'd had higher hopes for you, Gemma. You're in over your head. I shall see this Tree of All Souls for myself" (Bray 634).
Circe fooled Gemma into giving her enough magic to break free from the well and find the mystical Tree of All Souls herself. Gemma had gone to her for advice and had spilled out secrets of the Realms, ones that Circe could use against her. But Circe had always been the vengeful type, turning against her sisters and being fascinated with sacrifice.
2. "They could make you see what they wish you to see. It will be as if you are mad" (Bray 542).
The Winterland creatures had always been coniving, evil souls that would do whatever they had to to get what they wanted. They made Gemma envision the impossible which wrapped her in distrust and mystery. They also used her weaknesses against her, plotting around Kartik and her brother, Tom.
Sacrifice- Sacrifice was quite relevant in this novel because there was much blood shed and love lost. The whole scheme of the Winterland creatures was to sacrifice Gemma to recieve her power but in turn many of Gemma's friends and loved ones were sacrificed in order to restore peace to the Realms.
3. "Sometimes we must make sacrifices for the greater good...promise me you'll keep the magic safe" (Bray 748).
In order to save Gemma, Miss McCleethy sacrificed herself to keep Gemma on her mission. This kept the plot rolling and strengthened Gemma's trust in her friends and war partners. This also signified that Miss McCleethy was not evil for she gave her life for the greater good and to save the Chosen One.
4. "He draws me to him in a kiss...He pulls me tighter in his embrace. The roots sigh and release their hold on my waist and the wound in my side is healed" (Bray 778).
In another attempt to save Gemma, Kartik sacrifices himself to the Tree of All Souls which allows Gemma to give the magic back to the land and spoiling the Winterlands' plan. This is a devastating blow for Gemma because she was madly in love with him and now he was gone. This builds her character and she is forced to move on.
Secrets- Many secrets were kept in this novel, which tangled the plot and it's situations. Although the characters were trying to keep secrets to keep their loved ones safe, it ended up destroying relationships and severing trust.
5. "And suddenly, I understand what I must have always known about them- the private talks, the close embraces..." (Bray 664).
Felicity and Pippa always had a close relationship that Gemma was extremely jealous of. But now Gemma understands why their relationship was so tender, they were secret lovers. This broadened Gemma's understanding of her friends and allowed them to actually grow closer because the newfound openness.
6. "I should have to sleepwalk through my life not to feel the pull of those lips" (Bray 219).
But Gemma's friends were not only the ones hiding a love affair; Gemma too was madly in love with a forbidden Indian boy named Kartik. She told no one of this passion and when the truth leaked out it also helped her friends understand her. This love pulled her through her mission and kept her alive.
Desire- True seekers of desire will go to the end of the world to achieve it. Each character in this novel had a deep desire that would be willing to risk life and limb for to obtain it.
7. "Me, accept me, Papa" (Bray 794).
Since Gemma's father became addicted to opium, she was deprived of the fatherly charm a girl needed during her adolescent years. She deeply desired for him to be cured and so that she could have a functioning family again. She simply wanted for him to accept her for who she was an aspiring woman.
8. "Ann comes alive with a smile. Again we cheer" (Bray 540).
Ann struggled her whole life searching for happiness. She finally found it in singing and acting. She was willing to do anything she had to to be able to sing professionally for it was her passion. When the oppurtunity arrived she risked her reputation and feminism to achieve greatness.
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