Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)
Chapter 7
by J, Maas, SarahIn Chapter 7 of “Crown of Midnight,” Celaena Sardothien awakens with a throbbing headache, immediately aware that her mysterious encounter in the tomb was not a dream. She reflects on the presence of an enchanted talking door knocker and Elena’s ongoing meddling in her life, which continues to complicate her tasks. The chapter reveals her growing awareness of a dangerous secret connected to the king’s plans, which Elena hints at uncovering. Celaena recognizes the importance of understanding this threat, even if it means risking her safety, and contemplates the necessity of confronting her fears to prevent a catastrophe.
Celaena’s internal struggle intensifies as she considers her next moves. She admits to herself that her initial visit to the tomb was motivated by a desire to offload her worries onto Elena, rather than directly confronting the danger herself. She understands that Elena’s warning about her plans suggests something far more sinister—potentially worse than past atrocities committed by the king, such as slavery and rebellion. Celaena realizes that uncovering the source of the king’s power is crucial, even if she must face lethal enemies or make difficult alliances to do so.
To gather intelligence, Celaena decides she must approach Archer, an acquaintance who might be part of a resistance movement aware of the king’s true intentions. She plans to fake Archer’s death to keep him safe while gaining his trust. This risky strategy signifies her willingness to navigate dangerous political waters, knowing that once she involves Archer, her actions will become even more perilous. She prepares herself mentally and physically, dressing in her finest clothes, and calls upon Chaol to assist in her scheme, emphasizing her determination to proceed cautiously.
The chapter also vividly depicts the bustling city of Rifthold on a cold winter day. Celaena and Chaol walk through the vibrant streets, with the city’s lively commerce contrasting her inner turmoil. She wishes for summer’s warmth but endures the cold, keeping close to Chaol, who is eager to help her with Archer. They head toward the Willows, a prestigious tea house where Archer is known to dine daily, and where Celaena plans to subtly gather information. Her careful planning underscores her strategic mindset and her resolve to manipulate social settings to her advantage, despite the risks involved.
Finally, Celaena’s interaction with Chaol highlights her resourcefulness and wit. She instructs him on how to behave discreetly and how to blend into the social scene, emphasizing her desire to remain covert. Their banter and her calculated approach to infiltrating Archer’s circle reveal her sharp instincts and her readiness to take on complex political espionage. As she waits for Archer’s meal to end, she continues to plot her next move, fully aware that every step she takes could lead to deadly consequences, but determined to uncover the truth behind the king’s sinister plans.
FAQs
1. What are Celaena’s immediate emotional and physical reactions upon waking in Chapter 7, and what do these reactions reveal about her situation?
Answer:
Upon waking, Celaena experiences a pounding headache and a sense of dread, recognizing that her encounter in the tomb was real, not a nightmare. Her physical reaction—looking at the melted candle—indicates her awareness of the danger she faced and the lingering effects of her ordeal. Emotionally, she is overwhelmed and frustrated, as shown by her groan and burying her face in her pillow, wishing to escape the complications Elena’s actions have caused. These reactions reveal her vulnerability, exhaustion, and the heavy burden of her secretive and perilous circumstances, illustrating her internal struggle with the dangerous world she inhabits.2. How does Celaena’s reflection on her mission to uncover the king’s plans demonstrate her understanding of the stakes involved?
Answer:
Celaena recognizes that failing to uncover the source of the king’s power could be a fatal mistake, emphasizing her awareness of the high stakes. She notes that Elena’s instructions to find—rather than destroy—the source imply that the threat is significant and potentially more deadly than the known horrors of slavery and rebellion. This insight shows she understands that gaining this knowledge is crucial for her survival and the broader fight against the king’s oppressive regime. Her realization underscores her growing sense of responsibility and the dangerous nature of her mission, which could have life-or-death consequences.3. In what ways does Celaena’s plan to approach Archer reflect her strategic thinking, and what risks does it entail?
Answer:
Celaena’s decision to speak with Archer in order to fake his death and gather intelligence demonstrates her strategic mindset. She recognizes that direct spying on the king is perilous, so involving Archer—if he is part of the movement—could provide valuable inside information and potentially save her from direct confrontation. However, this plan is inherently risky: approaching Archer could expose her intentions, put her in danger if he is not trustworthy, or alert others to her suspicions. It also risks complicating her already dangerous position, making her actions a delicate balancing act between gaining vital intelligence and avoiding detection.4. How does the depiction of Rifthold’s city environment in this chapter enhance our understanding of the setting and Celaena’s experience within it?
Answer:
The detailed description of Rifthold’s bustling, vibrant city—its snow-covered streets, fashionable districts, and crowded avenues—paints a lively yet cold environment that mirrors Celaena’s internal state. Her wish for summer highlights her discomfort in the cold, symbolizing her desire for warmth and safety amid the treacherous political and personal landscape she navigates. The contrast between the opulence of the city’s shops and the danger lurking behind its glamorous facade underscores the complexity of her world, where beauty and peril coexist. Celaena’s deliberate choice to walk rather than take a carriage reflects her desire to observe and remain connected to her surroundings, even as she faces personal and external threats.5. Critically evaluate the significance of Celaena’s interaction with Chaol regarding her plan to meet Archer. What does this reveal about their relationship and her approach to secrecy?
Answer:
Celaena’s interaction with Chaol reveals a dynamic where she seeks to maintain control over her plans and protect her secrets, even from someone close to her. Her warning to Chaol to act as a mere decoration and her directive for him not to speak to Archer show her strategic mindset and her desire to keep her true intentions hidden. This also highlights a level of trust—she confides her plan to Chaol but still expects him to follow her instructions without question. Their banter and her teasing suggest familiarity and a degree of camaraderie, yet her need for secrecy underscores the danger of their situation. It emphasizes her cautious approach to alliances and her understanding that secrecy is vital for survival in her perilous environment.
Quotes
1. “She’d meant what she said last night. The world was beyond helping. Even if … even if she’d seen firsthand just how dangerous things could become—how much worse it could be.”
This quote encapsulates Celaena’s sense of hopelessness and her weariness with the chaos surrounding her, highlighting her internal conflict and the heavy burden of her awareness of the world’s dangers.
2. “If she didn’t uncover this threat, it might be a fatal mistake. Elena had just said she had to find it. She hadn’t said anything about destroying it.”
This passage underscores the critical nature of her mission—merely finding the source of the threat is essential, and it hints at the perilous decisions she faces regarding what to do once she locates it.
3. “Come to think of it, a carriage probably would have made a better entrance, too.”
This seemingly simple remark highlights Celaena’s awareness of practicality versus her desire for a certain image or experience, revealing her layered personality and the strategic considerations behind her choices.
4. “This is the part where you shut your mouth and pretend to be a woolly-headed bit of decoration. Shouldn’t be too hard for you.”
This witty remark exemplifies Celaena’s sharp tongue and her ability to manipulate social situations, emphasizing her cunning and playful defiance even in delicate circumstances.
5. “Men!”
A brief yet powerful exclamation that captures Celaena’s exasperation with Chaol’s behavior, reflecting her complex mix of frustration, camaraderie, and the underlying tension in their relationship.