Hi, as part of my course I need to cavass opinions on daemons. I would really appreciate hearing your thoughts on the following questions:
1) What is a daemon in your opinion?
2) Why do you think children's daemons change and adults don't?
3) Why do you think the bears do not have daemons?
4) Do you think that people have a choice on the shape the daemons take when they’re adults?
5) Does it matter what shape your daemon takes?
6) How much control do characters have over their daemon's behaviour?
7) How much influence does your daemon have over you?
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What does having a golden monkey for a daemon say about Mrs. Coulter?
Thanks! xxx
1. A daemon is a physical representation of a persons soul, and may reflect some asspects of a persons soul, which are not shown by the person that often. (I hope the makes sense
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)
2.Children's daemons change because their wants, needs, aspirations and personality are constantly changing and developing. The daemon can not yet be sure of the personality, and therefore is able to change.
3. They don't not have daemons, they are just hidden on the inside, so that they are less vulnerable. The bears are constantly fighting among themselves, so if they had a daemon that their opponent could also attack, then they would be easier to kill. Also, animals are animals, and therefore cannot have a daemon in animal form, as it wouldn't really work in my mind, and a human would be illogical as they are not as hardy, and cannot survive in the climate as easily, or travel as fast.
4. To tell the truth, I don't think that even the actual daemon has much influence, as at some point in one book Lyra asks Pan which form he thinks he will take, and he replies that he doesn't know but says what he would LIKE to be. This gives me the immpression that some greater power (such as dust) just comes along and just tells them when the time is right.
5. No, but if people knew how to read daemons, then they might be able to find out your weak and your bad points, as you innermost soul is shown in that form.
6. I don't think that humans have much control, because in NL Lyra doesn't want to see Iorek when she first meets him, but Pan insists and starts pulling at the connection between them. This shows that, despite Lyra not wanting him to, Pan did what he wanted. However, humans have control of where their daemon can go, as daemons can only move a certain distance from their human.
7.Well I suppose it could be like having that guilty little voice in you head, but in a real form, at times.
8. It shows that she is beautiful, but not nice. Also it shows she can get out of sticky situations, and is intelligant, as monkeys are the animals most similar to humans.
Sorry it's so long! I just have a lot of opinions. I am an opinionated, slightly insane, weird, HDM obbsessed 14 year old
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