Essay Questions

Who is Ged, and what is his significance in the book Wizard of Earthsea?

Besides being the protagonist, Ged is an essential character because the author uses him to explain the relationship between power and responsibility. Ged is a young man who learns that he has magical powers. As a child, Ged is raised by his father and aunt, and they realize that he has supernatural power because he does great things. People around Ged remind him that despite controlling the world, he must use his power responsibly to benefit people. Therefore, Ged is aware that power comes with responsibility, and if misused, power can bring negative consequences. Sometimes, Ged forgets that he has to be responsible, and he faces consequences which he has to tackle before moving on.

Why does Ged get into trouble most of the time?

The most significant limitation that Ged has is the urge to impress others. Ged wants to show people around him that he is the most powerful individual, forgetting that dangerous and powerful characters surround him. When Ged interferes with powerful characters, he runs into trouble and faces negative consequences. Ged forgets that despite having magical powers, he must be tactical to defeat his enemies. Unfortunately, Ged is still a young man full of pride and wants to show people that he knows it all.

What is the significance of friendship and cooperation, according to the author?

The author depicts Ged as a lonely character because he does not have close friends to share with his internal tribulations. Most of the time, Ged is on his own. When Ged is troubled by the shadowy ghost, he struggles to kill it alone, but he fails despite having magical powers. However, when Ged involves his friends, he defeats the ghost and moves on happily. Therefore, two heads are better than one, and the reader learns that success is only achieved through cooperation.