The Eagle (Roman Britain Trilogy Series #1)

by Rosemary Sutcliff

Overview

The Ninth Legion marched into the mists of Northern Britain—and they were never seen again. Thousands of men disappeared and their eagle standard was lost. It's a mystery that's never been solved, until now . . .
Marcus has to find out what happened to his father, who led the legion. So he sets out into the unknown, on a quest so dangerous that nobody expects him to return.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780312564346
Publisher:	Square Fish
Publication date:	01/04/2011
Series:	Roman Britain Trilogy Series , #1
Edition description:	Media tie-in
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.60(d)
Lexile:	1110L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 15 Years

About the Author

Rosemary Sutcliff (1920-1992) wrote dozens of books for young readers, including her award-winning Roman Britain trilogy, The Eagle of the Ninth, The Silver Branch, and The Lantern Bearers, which won the Carnegie Medal. The Eagle of the Ninth is now a major motion picture, The Eagle, directed by Kevin MacDonald and starring Channing Tatum. Born in Surrey, Sutcliff spent her childhood in Malta and on various other naval bases where her father was stationed. At a young age, she contracted Still's Disease, which confined her to a wheelchair for most of her life. Shortly before her death, she was named Commander of the British Empire (CBE) one of Britain's most prestigious honors. She died in West Sussex, England, in 1992.

Reading Group Guide

Discussion Questions

1. What is the difference between loyalty and duty? Marcus Flavius Aquila embarks on a quest to reclaim the lost eagle standard of the Ninth. How is his need to accept this opportunity connected to his personal loyalty to his missing father? Why does he feel it his duty to restore his family's honor?

2. Why does Hilarion warn Marcus about the wandering Druids? Though Marcus attempts to dismiss the warning, there are times in battle and on his journey to reclaim the eagle standard of the Ninth that the warning haunts him. What is it about the girl Guinhumara that makes Marcus heed Hilarion's warning? Cite other times that Marcus feels threatened by the Druids.

3. Explain the occurrences of dark magic in the story. How do these accurrences help define the time and place of the novel?

4. Why is the Capricorn bracelet so important to Marcus? What is the significance of the emerald signet ring?

5. After Marcus is wounded, he goes to Uncle Aquila's house on the extreme edge of Calleva, where he is given a sleeping cell and allowed time to heal. How might Marcus describe his uncle upon meeting him for the first time? Why is Marcus so surprised when Uncle Aquila talks of the woman he once loved? What is Uncle Aquila's reaction when he learns that Marcus plans a quest in search of the lost eagle?

6. Discuss the relationship that develops between Marcus and Cottia. The chapter where they first meet is titled "Two Worlds Meeting." Compare and contrast Marcus's and Cottia's worlds. At what point do their worlds become one?
7. Marcus and Esca return to Uncle Aquila's house with the eagle. Discuss why the Legate wants to bury the eagle. Cottia wants Marcus to tell her the story of the Ninth Legion. Why isn't he ready to share the story? Tell the story as he might relate it to Cottia.
8. Esca, a slave, accompanies Marcus on his journey. Why does Marcus grant Esca his freedom? Marcus says to Esca, "You don't like being a freed-man, do you? Well, I don't like being lame. That makes two of us, and the only thing we can do about it, you and I, is to learn to carry the scars lightly." [p. 196] At what point does Esca begin to be comfortable with his freedom? How does Marcus finally come to terms with being lame?

Editorial Reviews

Sutcliff has a genius for the re-creation of an historical period.” —Horn Book Reflections

“An unusual blend of stirring action and poetic symbolism. Authentic in background, skillful in plot, and perceptive in characterization.” —Booklist

“Imaginatively conceived.” —The New Yorker

“Decades later, I can still hear echoes of The Eagle of the Ninth in my head: the chink of mail, the tired beat of the legionaries' feet.” —The Independent

“What a splendid story it is, compulsive reading!” —Junior Bookshelf

From the Publisher