Independent+Novel+Study+5


 * Birthmarked**
 * Caragh O'Brien**
 * p.g. 300-360**

The climax of the novel is when Leon sacrifices himself for Gaia and Maya's freedom. The build upit wasn't that great, but the climax itself was certainly surprising. I had assumed they were either going to all get captured or get away. I was certainly surprised when Leon helped Gaia and her sister get to the other side of the wall, but I wish he could have gotten away with them.
 * 1. What is the climax of the novel?**

The message I got from the novel is to think for yourself. To do what you feel is right instead of following the higher authorities, even if it means loosing everything you have left. The message is conveyed through Gaia. Gaia defies the Enclave and goes inside the wall to rescue her parents, or at least see them one final time. She also tries to rescue the baby who was inide of the woman who was hung. She is an excellent example of a young woman who stands up for what she believes is right.
 * 2.** **What message did you get from the novel? How was this message conveyed?**

I loved the novel, but it didn't meet my expectations. It went above and beyond. The only thing I wasn't very happy about was how Gaia and Maya left at the conclusion of this novel to go to the "Dead Forest." I personally think they should have rescued Leon first and then journeyed there, but of course, there's no way they could have done that. Gaia was wanted, and by staying, she'd endanger all her friends.
 * 3.** **Why did (or didn't) the novel meet your expectation?**