Through Mina's character, Almond presents a series of strong arguments for homeschooling. With the help of Skellig, death has been defeated. Indeed, against all odds, Michael's sister comes back to life after her heart has stopped for a short moment, and eventually, Michael's family is assured that the threat of death is gone. At this point, Mina's mother cuts open a pomegranate, a symbol of life, and tells the ancient Greek tale of Persephone, who leaves the underworld after the months of death, reintroducing the theme of revival. On the day of her heart surgery, he claims to have lost track of her heartbeat, which makes him think she has died. In fact, several events seem to foreshadow his sister's death: When Michael sees his sister at the hospital, he describes her face as dead white and her hair as dead black. Tubes are taken in and out of her tiny body depending on her condition. Michael and his parents never know for sure whether she will recover, which puts an extraordinary amount of stress on them. The tension between life and death is most prominent in the baby's constant struggle for survival. Moreover, the fact that Skellig has seemingly been in the garage forever suggests that he is above the cycle of life. At the same time, however, there are hints at renewal and life after death, as Michael's family has moved into a new house just in time for spring, a time of renewal when nature comes back to life. He mentions Skellig, whom he found in the garage, thinking he is already dead because he is covered in dust, cobwebs, and dead flies. Death' because of his pale complexion, which does not sound reassuring and leaves doubts as to whether his sister will survive. The opening outlines the juxtaposition of life and death, indicating that it is the overarching theme of Skellig: Michael introduces the doctor treating his critically ill sister as 'Dr.

Skellig almond