A Court of Mist and Fury
Chapter 17
by J, Maas, SarahThe chapter opens with Feyre reflecting on the name Jurian, which resonates deeply within her even after the dinner with her friends. As Rhysand and Feyre prepare to visit the Prison the next day, they fly over Velaris, with Rhysand subtly probing Feyre’s connection through their bond. Their silent flight underscores the unspoken understanding and the complex emotional layers between them. Rhysand reveals that their bond is a living, adaptive entity shaped by their needs and powers, hinting at the depth of their connection and the uncharted territories of their shared psychic link. Feyre’s curiosity about the bond’s nature and Rhysand’s protective instincts are central to this segment.
Rhysand confesses that he has felt Feyre’s emotions through their bond, despite her efforts to shield herself. Their conversation reveals the nature of their relationship—one built on mutual dependence, trust, and unspoken sacrifices. Rhysand admits that he is still learning about the bond’s mysterious feelings, including what Feyre experienced during their recent connection. Their exchange underscores the emotional complexity of their relationship, with Feyre questioning Rhysand’s hidden sacrifices and the extent of his sacrifices for his people. The chapter emphasizes the theme of concealed pain and the costs of leadership and protection.
Rhysand’s past actions are disclosed, illustrating the extent of his sacrifices and the moral ambiguities he has navigated. He describes how, after losing his powers under Amarantha, he resorted to controlling the minds of his citizens to shield Velaris from her reach. His decision to become a puppet ruler—using his remaining powers to keep the city safe—came at a personal and moral cost, including living in secrecy and isolation. His willingness to become a “monster” to protect those he loves highlights the sacrifices made for the greater good, even if it entails terrible actions. This revelation adds depth to his character, exposing his internal struggles and the weight of his choices.
The chapter concludes with Rhysand’s dramatic departure, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to protecting Velaris and its secrets. Feyre’s reflection on his wings and the sacrifices he made to keep her safe reveals the hidden truths about his identity and the extent of his sacrifices. Her acknowledgment of his sacrifices contrasts with her awareness of the falsehoods others believe about him. As Rhysand disappears into the night, the chapter ends with Feyre awakening from a vivid, disturbing dream—an intense memory of her time under Amarantha’s control—highlighting the ongoing trauma and emotional scars. The scene underscores the ongoing battle between her past trauma and her present resilience.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What is the significance of the bond between Feyre and Rhysand as described in the chapter, and how does Rhysand characterize this bond?
Answer:
The bond between Feyre and Rhysand is portrayed as a living, dynamic connection shaped by their powers and their needs at the time of forming it. Rhysand describes it as “a living thing,” indicating that it is not static but responsive to their emotions and circumstances. Feyre perceives that Rhysand might have been able to sense her feelings through the bond, even when she tried to shield her emotions. Rhysand admits that he is still learning about the bond’s nuances, suggesting its complexity and the depth of their connection. This bond is significant because it symbolizes their emotional and mystical link, which influences their perceptions and feelings, and highlights the intimacy and trust building between them.2. Question 2
How does Rhysand justify his actions during the time he was imprisoned and under Amarantha’s control? What does this reveal about his priorities and character?
Answer:
Rhysand justifies his actions—such as controlling the minds of his citizens and using his powers to shield Velaris—by emphasizing that his primary concern was protecting the city and the people he loves. He admits to making immense sacrifices, including being perceived as a villain (“Amarantha’s whore”) and using manipulative tactics to keep Velaris hidden from the outside world. His justification reveals that his priorities are rooted in self-sacrifice and devotion to his community, even if it requires morally questionable actions. It shows his willingness to become a “monster” if necessary to safeguard what matters most, highlighting a complex character driven by love, duty, and the burden of leadership.3. Question 3
In what ways does Feyre reflect on Rhysand’s actions and sacrifices, and what does this reveal about her perception of him?
Answer:
Feyre recognizes that Rhysand has done “everything” for his people and friends, including enduring fifty years of imprisonment and making morally difficult choices. She acknowledges that he has hidden his true self—his wings and his sacrifices—to protect others. Her perception reveals a growing respect and understanding of the depth of his sacrifices, seeing him not merely as a powerful figure or a perceived villain but as someone willing to endure immense suffering for the sake of those he cares about. This reflection indicates her evolving view of Rhysand as a complex, selfless individual who bears heavy burdens.4. Question 4
Describe the significance of Rhysand’s wings and the mystery surrounding their visibility. What might their concealment imply about his identity and the broader themes of the chapter?
Answer:
Rhysand’s wings symbolize his true identity as an Illyrian and a powerful Fey. The chapter questions how many outside Velaris are aware of his wings and whether he has deliberately wiped their memory from Prythian’s history. The concealment of his wings implies a desire to hide his true self to protect his reputation or to shield others from the dangerous truth of his nature. It also reflects broader themes of hidden identities, sacrifices, and the masks people wear to protect their loved ones or themselves. The mystery surrounding his wings highlights the idea that true strength and identity may often be concealed beneath layers of secrecy for the greater good.5. Question 5
Analyze the significance of Feyre’s nightmare and her reaction upon waking. What does this reveal about her emotional state and her relationship with Rhysand?
Answer:
Feyre’s nightmare, involving Amarantha and her feelings of helplessness, underscores her ongoing trauma and emotional vulnerability. Her intense reaction—screaming, her raw throat, and her physical response—indicates that the memories of her suffering are still deeply traumatic and unresolved. Rhysand’s immediate response, calming her and insisting it was just a dream, shows his concern and protective instinct. It reveals that despite her strength, Feyre is still haunted by her past, and her relationship with Rhysand provides her with a sense of safety and comfort. His presence as a stabilizing force highlights the growing trust and intimacy between them, essential for her healing process.
Quotes
1. “This bond is … a living thing. An open channel between us, shaped by my powers, shaped … by what you needed when we made the bargain.”
This quote emphasizes the dynamic and responsive nature of the bond between Feyre and Rhysand, highlighting its foundation in mutual need and the fluidity of their connection. It sets the tone for understanding their relationship as complex and evolving.
2. “You needed not to be alone… But what about him? Fifty years he’d been separated from his friends, his family…”
This reflection reveals the layered sacrifices Rhysand has made, illustrating the chapter’s exploration of the costs behind his actions and the loneliness that underpins his protective facade.
3. “He had done all of that, had done such horrible things … done everything for his people, his friends. And the only piece of himself that he’d hidden and managed to keep her from tainting, destroying, even if it meant fifty years trapped in a cage of rock…”
This powerful statement encapsulates Rhysand’s internal conflict and the extent of his sacrifices, emphasizing the theme of selflessness and the moral complexities of leadership.
4. “As long as the people who matter most know the truth, I don’t care about the rest.”
Rhysand’s declaration underscores his prioritization of trust and integrity over public perception, highlighting a key moral stance that drives much of his character’s actions.
5. “I lay naked and prone on a familiar red marble floor while Amarantha slid a knife along my bare ribs, the steel scraping softly against my skin. ‘Lying, traitorous human,’ she purred, ‘with your filthy, lying heart.’”
This haunting imagery vividly captures the brutality of Feyre’s trauma under Amarantha, illustrating the chapter’s exploration of pain, betrayal, and the monstrous acts committed in the name of survival.
Quotes
1. “This bond is … a living thing. An open channel between us, shaped by my powers, shaped … by what you needed when we made the bargain.”
This quote emphasizes the dynamic and responsive nature of the bond between Feyre and Rhysand, highlighting its foundation in mutual need and the fluidity of their connection. It sets the tone for understanding their relationship as complex and evolving.
2. “You needed not to be alone… But what about him? Fifty years he’d been separated from his friends, his family…”
This reflection reveals the layered sacrifices Rhysand has made, illustrating the chapter’s exploration of the costs behind his actions and the loneliness that underpins his protective facade.
3. “He had done all of that, had done such horrible things … done everything for his people, his friends. And the only piece of himself that he’d hidden and managed to keep her from tainting, destroying, even if it meant fifty years trapped in a cage of rock…”
This powerful statement encapsulates Rhysand’s internal conflict and the extent of his sacrifices, emphasizing the theme of selflessness and the moral complexities of leadership.
4. “As long as the people who matter most know the truth, I don’t care about the rest.”
Rhysand’s declaration underscores his prioritization of trust and integrity over public perception, highlighting a key moral stance that drives much of his character’s actions.
5. “I lay naked and prone on a familiar red marble floor while Amarantha slid a knife along my bare ribs, the steel scraping softly against my skin. ‘Lying, traitorous human,’ she purred, ‘with your filthy, lying heart.’”
This haunting imagery vividly captures the brutality of Feyre’s trauma under Amarantha, illustrating the chapter’s exploration of pain, betrayal, and the monstrous acts committed in the name of survival.
— Unknown
FAQs
1. Question 1
What is the significance of the bond between Feyre and Rhysand as described in the chapter, and how does Rhysand characterize this bond?
Answer:
The bond between Feyre and Rhysand is portrayed as a living, dynamic connection shaped by their powers and their needs at the time of forming it. Rhysand describes it as “a living thing,” indicating that it is not static but responsive to their emotions and circumstances. Feyre perceives that Rhysand might have been able to sense her feelings through the bond, even when she tried to shield her emotions. Rhysand admits that he is still learning about the bond’s nuances, suggesting its complexity and the depth of their connection. This bond is significant because it symbolizes their emotional and mystical link, which influences their perceptions and feelings, and highlights the intimacy and trust building between them.
2. Question 2
How does Rhysand justify his actions during the time he was imprisoned and under Amarantha’s control? What does this reveal about his priorities and character?
Answer:
Rhysand justifies his actions—such as controlling the minds of his citizens and using his powers to shield Velaris—by emphasizing that his primary concern was protecting the city and the people he loves. He admits to making immense sacrifices, including being perceived as a villain (“Amarantha’s whore”) and using manipulative tactics to keep Velaris hidden from the outside world. His justification reveals that his priorities are rooted in self-sacrifice and devotion to his community, even if it requires morally questionable actions. It shows his willingness to become a “monster” if necessary to safeguard what matters most, highlighting a complex character driven by love, duty, and the burden of leadership.
3. Question 3
In what ways does Feyre reflect on Rhysand’s actions and sacrifices, and what does this reveal about her perception of him?
Answer:
Feyre recognizes that Rhysand has done “everything” for his people and friends, including enduring fifty years of imprisonment and making morally difficult choices. She acknowledges that he has hidden his true self—his wings and his sacrifices—to protect others. Her perception reveals a growing respect and understanding of the depth of his sacrifices, seeing him not merely as a powerful figure or a perceived villain but as someone willing to endure immense suffering for the sake of those he cares about. This reflection indicates her evolving view of Rhysand as a complex, selfless individual who bears heavy burdens.
4. Question 4
Describe the significance of Rhysand’s wings and the mystery surrounding their visibility. What might their concealment imply about his identity and the broader themes of the chapter?
Answer:
Rhysand’s wings symbolize his true identity as an Illyrian and a powerful Fey. The chapter questions how many outside Velaris are aware of his wings and whether he has deliberately wiped their memory from Prythian’s history. The concealment of his wings implies a desire to hide his true self to protect his reputation or to shield others from the dangerous truth of his nature. It also reflects broader themes of hidden identities, sacrifices, and the masks people wear to protect their loved ones or themselves. The mystery surrounding his wings highlights the idea that true strength and identity may often be concealed beneath layers of secrecy for the greater good.
5. Question 5
Analyze the significance of Feyre’s nightmare and her reaction upon waking. What does this reveal about her emotional state and her relationship with Rhysand?
Answer:
Feyre’s nightmare, involving Amarantha and her feelings of helplessness, underscores her ongoing trauma and emotional vulnerability. Her intense reaction—screaming, her raw throat, and her physical response—indicates that the memories of her suffering are still deeply traumatic and unresolved. Rhysand’s immediate response, calming her and insisting it was just a dream, shows his concern and protective instinct. It reveals that despite her strength, Feyre is still haunted by her past, and her relationship with Rhysand provides her with a sense of safety and comfort. His presence as a stabilizing force highlights the growing trust and intimacy between them, essential for her healing process.
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