At the end of her opening chapter, Calliope says that she “will give [the bard] his words when he gives me that brooch” (2). Discuss what the figure of the bard and his brooch each symbolize.

How does Haynes use the terms epic, tragedy, and hero? How does her usage align with or depart from ancient Greek thinking?

Calliope calls the poet an “idiot” for repeatedly wanting to follow one character (41). Discuss why Calliope refuses to allow him to do this.