Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)
Chapter 32
by J, Maas, SarahIn Chapter 32 of *Crown of Midnight*, Celaena Sardothien awakens in her own bed, fully aware that her recent ordeal has left her physically and emotionally drained. She realizes that her sedatives are gone, signaling a return to consciousness after days of darkness and captivity. The chapter underscores her sense of isolation, as she reflects on the absence of her friends, particularly Nehemia, who was a source of wisdom and companionship. The loss weighs heavily on her, and her surroundings seem stark and cold compared to the warmth of her memories with Nehemia, highlighting her grief and sense of vulnerability.
Celaena’s immediate environment reveals signs of her recent captivity, with her being thoroughly cleaned and cared for, yet she remains emotionally unmoored. Fleetfoot, her loyal dog, is present, providing a small comfort as she contemplates her feelings of loss. Celaena’s thoughts drift to her bond with Nehemia, whom she adored deeply and regarded as a kindred spirit. The chapter emphasizes the profound impact of Nehemia’s death, which leaves Celaena feeling hollow and questioning her own worth, especially as she mourns in silence and solitude.
A significant internal voice echoes in her mind, calling her a coward, reflecting her inner torment and feelings of helplessness. She is overwhelmed by grief, compounded by her absence from Nehemia’s funeral due to her own physical and emotional state. Her inability to participate in the rites symbolizes her sense of guilt and regret, intensifying her sense of powerlessness. The warm presence of the Eye of Elena offers a faint solace, but it cannot fully ease her pain or fill the void left by her friend’s death.
The chapter concludes with Celaena’s refusal to leave her bed, choosing instead to drown in her sorrow. She spends days in this state of withdrawal, avoiding her responsibilities and the outside world. Her repeated decision to remain in bed underscores her deep despair and the difficulty she faces in confronting her grief. This introspective silence reveals her vulnerability and the emotional toll of her loss, setting the stage for her ongoing internal struggle and the journey toward healing.
FAQs
1. What are the immediate emotional and physical effects experienced by Celaena upon waking in her own bed after her time in the dungeon?
Answer:
Upon waking, Celaena experiences a mixture of relief and lingering pain. She recognizes that there are no more sedatives in her water, indicating a return to wakefulness and awareness. Physically, her head is pounding from days spent in darkness, and her room’s brightness exacerbates her discomfort. Emotionally, she feels a profound sense of loss—realizing there will be no more conversations with Nehemia, no further lessons on Wyrdmarks, and no more companionship from her friends. The presence of Fleetfoot sleeping beside her offers some comfort, but she is also overwhelmed by grief, mourning the death of Nehemia and the loss of her friend’s presence in her life.2. How does Celaena’s reflection on Nehemia and her grief deepen her understanding of her own emotional state?
Answer:
Celaena’s thoughts reveal her deep attachment to Nehemia and the pain of her loss. She admires Nehemia as a soul-friend, someone she loved from the moment they met, and she mourns her absence intensely. Her reflection that her heart still beats while Nehemia’s does not underscores her feelings of guilt and helplessness. The chapter also highlights her sense of vulnerability—her reluctance to leave her bed and face the world after her grief, compounded by her self-criticism, as seen in the recurring internal voice calling her a coward. This introspection shows her struggle to process her grief and her feelings of inadequacy in coping with loss.3. What does the chapter suggest about Celaena’s mental state and her approach to grief at this point in the story?
Answer:
The chapter depicts Celaena as being overwhelmed and immobilized by grief. Her decision not to leave her bed for days, coupled with her reliance on sedatives and her avoidance of the funeral, indicates a state of emotional paralysis. She is retreating from the world as a way of coping, essentially shutting herself off from her pain and responsibilities. Her internal dialogue, calling herself a coward, reveals her self-criticism and perhaps a sense of shame about her inability to move forward. Overall, her mental state is fragile, marked by sorrow, guilt, and a desire to escape her emotional suffering rather than confront it.4. How might Celaena’s relationship with Fleetfoot symbolize her emotional state and her connection to her past?
Answer:
Fleetfoot’s presence sleeping beside Celaena symbolizes comfort and companionship in her time of sorrow. The dog’s instinct to be close to her, licking her arm and nestled against her, reflects a silent understanding and loyalty. This bond may also represent a connection to her past—simple, genuine relationships that provide solace amid her complex emotional turmoil. Fleetfoot’s unconditional affection contrasts with the emotional distance Celaena feels from the world and herself, emphasizing her isolation. The dog’s presence underscores the importance of companionship and trust, even when she feels emotionally numb or disconnected.5. In what ways does this chapter set the stage for potential character development or future actions for Celaena?
Answer:
This chapter highlights Celaena’s profound grief and emotional vulnerability, setting the stage for her eventual confrontation with her loss and her inner demons. Her withdrawal from the world and self-criticism suggest she needs time and support to heal. The chapter hints at a pivotal moment of change—her acknowledgment of her cowardice and her emotional state could motivate her to eventually face her pain, seek purpose, and reconnect with her friends or her mission. Her internal struggle foreshadows a journey of resilience, where she might learn to accept her vulnerabilities and find strength through her grief, ultimately shaping her character arc toward growth and renewal.
Quotes
1. “Celaena awoke in her own bed, and knew there would be no more sedatives in her water.”
This opening line marks a pivotal moment of awakening—both physically and emotionally—highlighting her transition from darkness and captivity to a confrontation with her grief and reality. It sets the tone for her internal struggle and the loss she is experiencing.
2. “You are nothing more than a coward.”
This recurring, internal taunt underscores Celaena’s self-perception and her struggle with feelings of helplessness and guilt. It encapsulates her internal conflict and the theme of self-criticism that runs throughout her grief and recovery process.
3. “She wondered if Fleetfoot could sense the loss, too. She’d often wondered if Fleetfoot loved the princess more than her.”
This reflection emphasizes the depth of Celaena’s loneliness and her search for connection beyond human relationships. It also highlights her perception of companionship and love, which are fragile and deeply intertwined with her emotional state.
4. “Her heart still beat and Nehemia’s didn’t.”
This stark comparison reveals the profound sense of loss and despair that pervades the chapter. It underscores the emotional chasm left by Nehemia’s death and symbolizes Celaena’s feeling of personal emptiness and helplessness.
5. “So Celaena didn’t get out of bed that day. And she didn’t get out of it the next. Or the next. Or the next.”
This final statement powerfully encapsulates her deep depression and refusal to face her grief, emphasizing her sense of stagnation and the overwhelming weight of her sorrow. It highlights her state of emotional paralysis and the chapter’s exploration of mourning.