A Study in Drowning

When Effy first learns that an Argantian student has shown an interest in Myrddin’s work, she becomes defensive. How does her attitude shift over the course of the novel? What is an example of these attitudes in our own world, past or present?

There is a moment in the novel when Effy sees the Fairy King’s influence in Preston, but he is unable to hold onto him. What qualities do you think protected Preston from the Fairy King? How does this scene contribute to themes regarding Gender Dynamics and Systemic Discrimination?

What is the significance of the fantasy setting, which contrasts the more common realistic settings of dark academia novels? Is the story’s world integral to the plot, or could it have taken place anywhere?