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    A Court of Mist and Fury

    by J, Maas, Sarah
    A Court of Mist and Fury, the sequel to Sarah J. Maas’s fantasy series, follows Feyre Archeron three months after her escape from Under the Mountain. Now living with her love Tamlin in the Spring Court, she struggles with nightmares and emotional trauma. As she discovers her newfound High Fae powers, Feyre confronts internal and external conflicts, delving into themes of healing, empowerment, and complex relationships within a richly imagined faerie realm.
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    A Court of Mist and Fury

    Chapter 17

    by J, Maas, Sarah

    The 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.

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    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.

    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.

    Note