Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)
Chapter 44
by J, Maas, SarahIn Chapter 44 of *Crown of Midnight*, Dorian becomes intrigued by Celaena’s mysterious actions as she explores the ancient catacombs beneath the library. He observes her entering a hidden spiral staircase, driven by curiosity and concern, especially since her behavior—such as carrying a sword and braiding her hair—indicates she’s preparing for a confrontation. Following her discreetly, Dorian’s suspicions grow as he notices her rummaging through old, discarded parchment and books, hinting at her search for secrets hidden within the labyrinthine underground passages. His unease intensifies when he senses that she’s delving into something dangerous and possibly linked to the dark history of the place.
As Celaena ventures deeper into the clock tower’s forgotten corridors, she encounters remnants of a long-forgotten past—destroyed cells, extinguished torches, and a foreboding darkness that seems almost alive. Her focus shifts to uncovering what lies beneath the surface, especially the connection between the tower’s construction and the mysterious, ancient powers at play. She recognizes that the structure’s origins are intertwined with the king’s dark deeds, hinting at the use of forbidden materials like obsidian, which are associated with divine prohibition and fear. Her investigation reveals that the clock tower was built with ominous intent, possibly to contain or harness otherworldly forces, and that the keys to these secrets are far larger and more dangerous than she initially believed.
Meanwhile, Celaena’s escape from the haunted clock tower becomes a frantic effort to avoid unseen threats lurking in the shadows. She recalls the deadly encounters with the dead and the warnings about the eight guardians within the tower, emphasizing the perilous landscape she navigates. Her physical and mental strain is evident as she pushes through the dark, determined to uncover the truth but wary of the unseen entities that seem to track her every move. Her use of her amulet’s faint glow and her careful marking of her path highlight her strategic approach to survival amid the oppressive darkness and lurking danger.
In the climax of her exploration, Celaena encounters a mysterious, imprisoned creature—an entity that has been forgotten and mistreated, yet now aware and capable of feeding and hunting. This creature’s history of being locked away, its knowledge of marks and doors, and its potential link to her own past and the tower’s dark secrets suggest a complex web of betrayal and ancient magic. As she senses its presence and the threat it poses, her awareness grows that her actions have set in motion a dangerous chain of events. The chapter ends on a tense note, with Celaena confronting the darkness both around her and within herself, emphasizing the overarching themes of power, secrecy, and the costs of uncovering forbidden truths.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What motivates Dorian to follow Celaena into the library and explore the catacombs beneath it?
Answer:
Dorian’s motivation stems from curiosity and concern rather than suspicion or spying. He notices Celaena’s unusual behavior—her sword, her braided hair tied back only when she’s about to fight, and her secretive actions—prompting him to follow her discreetly. His curiosity is heightened when he observes her entering the library with purpose, leading him to trace her steps into the mysterious catacombs. His magic also reacts strongly to the situation, warning him to run, which amplifies his unease. Ultimately, Dorian’s desire to understand what Celaena is doing and ensure her safety drives him to investigate further, especially given the ominous signs he encounters, like the cell-lined hallway and the strange, dark surroundings.
2. Question 2
Describe the significance of the dark passage and the glow from Celaena’s amulet. What do these elements reveal about her situation?
Answer:
The dark passage signifies a dangerous, hidden area beneath the library, likely connected to powerful and forbidden magic or secretive experiments. Celaena’s careful navigation in complete darkness, with only her amulet’s faint glow, indicates she’s venturing into a place she’s not supposed to be, possibly to uncover truths about the kingdom’s dark history or the clock tower’s origins. The glow from her amulet suggests that she is deliberately seeking out or sensing something supernatural or malevolent. It highlights her cautious approach and awareness of the threats lurking in the shadows. The fact that her amulet’s glow is dim and insufficient to fully illuminate the darkness hints at the overwhelming power or darkness present there, emphasizing her vulnerability and the gravity of her discovery.
3. Question 3
Analyze the significance of the creature that Celaena encounters in the cell. What does its behavior and condition suggest about its history and current state?
Answer:
The creature in the cell appears to be a former human or mortal being that has been brutalized and transformed into a predator. Its memory loss and reliance on learned survival skills—hunting, feeding, and using marks—indicate it has been subjected to cruel experiments or captivity, stripping it of its original identity. Its ability to open doors and understand markings suggests it has been intentionally conditioned to be dangerous and resourceful. The creature’s behavior, skittering out for food and lurking in shadows, reflects a feral, desperate survival instinct. Its current state of being “locked down” and the description of it forgetting its name but gaining new, brutal skills suggests it is a product of dark magic or inhumane treatment, serving as a symbol of the corrupt forces at play in this hidden realm.
4. Question 4
How does Celaena’s experience in the clock tower and the discovery of the dark secret impact her understanding of the larger threat facing Erilea?
Answer:
Celaena’s exploration reveals that the clock tower and its surroundings are linked to ancient, forbidden magic and the kingdom’s dark history. The presence of the destroyed cell, the ominous darkness, and the creature’s existence imply that powerful, dangerous forces are at work—forces connected to the king’s mysterious constructions and possibly involving the gods’ forbidden materials like obsidian. Her realization that the clock tower was built out of such dangerous stone, combined with her encounter with the creature and the hidden, secretive passages, deepens her understanding that there are malevolent forces and corrupt magic influencing the realm. This knowledge underscores the gravity of the threat—one rooted in ancient magic, secrecy, and cruelty—that she must confront to save Erilea from destruction.
5. Question 5
Critically evaluate Celaena’s decision to proceed into the dark, unknown passage despite the evident dangers. What does this reveal about her character and her role in the story?
Answer:
Celaena’s decision to venture into the dark, dangerous passage demonstrates her courage, curiosity, and sense of responsibility. Despite the clear risks—darkness, unknown creatures, and forbidden magic—she chooses to confront the mysteries head-on, driven by her desire to uncover the truth and protect others from hidden threats. This willingness to face danger reflects her fearless, fiercely determined nature and her role as a seeker of justice and truth. It also highlights her complex character—brave yet vulnerable, resourceful yet haunted by her past. Her actions embody her evolution from a reckless fighter to a strategic, morally driven heroine who understands that confronting darkness is essential to overcoming the greater evil threatening Erilea.
Quotes
1. “Celaena had found the legendary catacombs beneath the library. Of course she had. If there were anyone in Erilea who could find something like that, it would be Celaena.”
This opening statement underscores Celaena’s reputation as an exceptional and resourceful figure capable of uncovering hidden, ancient secrets, setting the tone for her adventurous and mysterious pursuits in the chapter.
2. “It peered out from the shadows of the cell, clutching at its cloak with taloned hands. Food. For the first time in months. She was so warm, so teeming with life.”
This quote highlights the existence of a creature or entity that has been imprisoned and forgotten, emphasizing themes of captivity, hidden knowledge, and the remnants of life in dark, neglected places.
3. “The blue light around her grew brighter. Celaena put a hand to her chest. The amulet flared.”
This passage captures a pivotal moment of awakening or realization, symbolized by the glowing amulet. It signifies that Celaena is attuned to something beyond the physical, hinting at her connection to deeper, possibly magical, forces.
4. “And once they had left, it had waited until it knew they weren’t coming back. Until he was looking elsewhere and had taken all his other things with him. And then it had begun opening the doors, one after another.”
This quote reveals the creature’s cunning and patience, illustrating its long-term strategy of containment and rebellion. It reflects themes of resilience and the consequences of neglecting or underestimating dark, imprisoned forces.
5. “She had to know—to know what had been done to it. She had to have been a part of it, the breaking and shattering and then the brutal rebuilding.”
This statement emphasizes the chapter’s exploration of past trauma, the uncovering of truth, and the complex moral and emotional layers involved in understanding and confronting what has been done—possibly to herself or others—within this dark world.