Pursuing the Lioness Guest Post: Lan of Escapist, Paradise Seeker

Thanks, Lan! And now, without further ado…

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I discovered Alanna in the sixth grade when I read Wild Magic. A female knight was a character I never before encountered. Shortly following, I went to my local library to find and check out the Alanna series; I grabbed the first Alanna book I saw, which was In the Hand of the Goddess (book two of the quartet). I was a little confused in the beginning, nevertheless I got swept up in the events. I felt so anxious when she underwent The Ordeal, and during the final duel, I was cheering for Alanna. I will forever sing the praises of Tamora Pierce for creating a strong, female character that I could look up to and aspire to be like.

Now, I’m 24 and a second year graduate student in English Literature and Medieval and Renaissance Studies. Being in grad school is a rough experience. Rereading Alanna the First Adventure, I found Alanna’s quest for knighthood akin to my own “quest” for a Masters degree and extra graduate certificate. I’ve come across multiple difficulties. I’ve gone through a long process, four years in undergrad (as a page), and two years (now as a squire to a knight–professor), and there’s the Culminating Project (The Ordeal) which I must complete to obtain my Masters degree (Knighthood). A scene that really resonates with me is when Alanna, frustrated at falling behind and tired of doing what she’s supposed to do as a page, tells Coram she’s quitting.

“Face it,” Gary told her kindly. “You’ll never catch up. You just do as much as you can and take the punishments without saying anything. Sometimes I wonder if that isn’t what they’re really trying to teach us–to take plenty and keep our mouths shut.

Alanna after this conversation goes back to her room and orders Coram to pack for home.

“I never figured ye for a quitter,” Coram interrupted softly.
“I’m not quitting!” Alanna snapped. “I–I’m protesting! I’m protesting unfair treatment–and–being worked till I drop. I want to have time to myself. I want to learn to fight with a sword now, not when they decide. I want–”
“Ye want. Ye want. ‘Tis something different ye’re learning here. It’s called ‘discipline.’”

Lately, I’ve found myself saying over and over I’m tired of being told to learn this theory and write on x subject in that manner. I’m always behind in my readings no matter how hard I try to catch up. I’ve complained and said, “I don’t want to do this anymore; I just want to be able to read and write about whatever I want.” At one point, I was so fed up, I considered quitting.

It’s funny how books can make you rethink your words and actions. I pulled out Alanna when I needed comfort and reprieve from grad school. Re-reading The First Adventure, I received a boost of confidence and kick in the butt. Alanna didn’t give up; she just gritted her teeth, worked harder, and eventually became a knight.This scene remains in my mind, constantly reminding me I can pull through and accomplish my goals. I say to myself everyday as I study hard to make it through grad school, “Remember Alanna.”