The Ogress and the Orphans

Do you believe stories have a set ending or do you think a story’s end can change based on the actions people take? Why? Choose two stories told within The Ogress and the Orphans. Do you think the presented endings to these stories are how those stories were always meant to end, or do you see evidence that the characters' actions changed those stories? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Consider Myron and Bartleby’s debate in Chapter 14. Do you think intention or results matter more in terms of kindness, and why? If intentions matter more, how does intent change an act of kindness? If results matter more, can intention affect those results? Why or why not? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

In the story world of The Ogress and the Orphans, there is a book and stone that know all stories and how each ends. If you had access to either this book or stone, would you read about the rest of your life? Why or why not? If so, what would you hope to learn? If not, why do you think not knowing would be better? Either way, how might this decision and your following actions change you?