The Sea in Winter

Analyze Maisie’s artistic nature and love of dancing. What do her interests reveal about her character?

How does Maisie’s relationship with her friends evolve throughout the story? What are the differences between her connection with Eva and her connection with Hattie?

How does Maisie’s experience of the Makah homeland contribute to her healing and help her connect to her heritage? What roles do her parents play in this transformation?

How does Jack use strategic storytelling to facilitate Maisie’s healing journey?

How does Maisie relate to Connor, and how does their relationship change as the narrative unfolds? Identify and explain at least three distinct shifts in Maisie’s attitude toward Connor.

Throughout the narrative, the traumatic impact of colonialism underlies Maisie’s story. Identify at least three events that contribute to Day’s broader exploration of Indigenous people’s experiences with racism and anti-Indigenous biases. What main ideas does the novel convey about the ongoing effects of colonialism on Indigenous people?

How do Maisie’s early experiences with writing foreshadow her eventual interest in this form of self-expression? How does she use this medium to work through her complex emotions? Include at least two concrete examples from the text in your analysis.

How does Maisie’s second injury change her outlook? What types of figurative language and imagery does Day employ to convey the intensity and broader significance of this moment?