On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses the source text’s depiction of antisemitism and Islamophobia.

Janner and his siblings all embark on coming-of-age journeys in On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. As the primary and oldest protagonist, Janner’s journey is the most clearly developed. He begins the story feeling at odds with his world and yearning for adventure beyond the confines of the town of Glipwood. Though he wants to be treated as an adult, he also resents having responsibilities that his younger siblings do not have. He does not like having to take care of Tink and Leeli and believes that his role as their caretaker makes him like “an old woman” (30).

As the story progresses, Janner also must contend with the fact that he is still in many ways a child who does not want to get into trouble. He is reluctant to investigate Anklejelly Manor with Tink but feels a sense of duty to protect him. There, he must confront his fear of ghosts and whatever other horrors he imagines might be lurking in the abandoned house to protect Tink and himself. Similarly, when he and his siblings are in jail, he is terrified of what will happen to them and knows that he does not have the tools to keep them safe.