Elatsoe

Ellie’s mother begs her not to “go vigilante” when investigating Trevor’s death. Why would Ellie’s mother be worried?

The symbol of the leech appears throughout the novel, particularly adjacent to Dr. Allerton and Willowbee. What does the leech represent? What emotions are connoted through this choice of symbols?

Ellie mentions Icarus and his doomed flight from Greek mythology in several instances. How does Little Badger draw parallels between Ellie and Icarus? What does Ellie ultimately learn from the myth?

When Ellie and her father see Willowbee for the first time, the town’s sign says that the population is “just enough.” How might this detail hint at the townspeople’s attitude towards visitors or outsiders?

Ellie says it usually takes a “serious insult” to wake up a human ghost. Why does her family take such extensive precautions anyway?

Ellie accidentally travels to the underworld in chapters 15 and 16. How does Little Badger depict this scene? What kind of imagery is created, and how does this affect Ellie?

Many people in Willowbee are aware of Dr. Allerton’s secret, but they choose to ignore his evil acts. Why?

The emissary calls the people of Willowbee “pests” that must be exterminated. Why is this terminology sinister? What does it imply?