A New Role To Play - Summary Essay

I must admit that I never really thought much about the role elders actually play in the Clan before.

They're never brought up in the main series unless the main characters are entertained by stories about the past. This short story helped open my eyes.

When you think about it, passing on these stories to the later generations is often really important. It helps instil the importance of the warrior code and listening to your mentor and senior warriors. 

Discussing the goings-on in the forest help those who weren't at the gathering or present when a border patrol reported to catch up. Also, the elders might have unique insight and perspective on these things.

Things like this are hinted at, but the elders are only really mentioned when they do something warrior-like for the Clan. The incident of this mentioned in the short story is when Rosetail defended the nursery from ShadowClan. 

Thinking about it, I think a novella about an elder could be enjoyable. I believe I have more respect for them in the Clans now.

The theme seems to be more on the changes of a Clan cats role than the role itself. This is outlined in the summary essay below.

The central theme in A New Role To Play is changes. Everyone goes through life changes. As we age, we are expected to do different things and take on more responsibilities such as chores and jobs. Elderly people pass on their knowledge and experiences to other generations. In the Clans, warriors retire from feeding and defending the Clan and become elders—their role changes. Goldenflower talks about the changing role she has in the Clan as an elder. She also noted that she would be able to hunt or defend the camp if needed.

There is one main character in the short story. A New Role To Play is told in the first person to the reader by the protagonist, Goldenflower. It is through her eyes that we see the life of a Clan elder. Although ShadowClan plays a small role as an antagonist in the short story, they are barely featured and are not one of the main characters. These are all the main characters that play a part in A New Role To Play. All the other characters that appear are only minor or incidental.

The primary situations in the short story follow. Goldenflower noted that she had never thought about becoming an elder. She says that all cats treat elders with respect and explains how they spend their days. She remembers Rosetail defending her when she was a kit and affirms she could still do the same. Goldenflower notes one sad duty. She briefly describes the vigil that the Clan holds when a cat dies. At dawn, the elders bury the body. Goldenflower enjoys the peace and quiet of being an elder and hopes she can 'stick around…for many moons to come.' Pg 116.

Thank you so much for reading. If you know anyone else who might enjoy this, please share it using the link in the sidebar.

Alice B Hutley

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