A Court of Mist and Fury
Chapter 37
by J, Maas, SarahThe chapter opens with a tense and urgent scene where Amren fiercely confronts a door, her power radiating as she slams her fist into it, signaling her desperation. The narrative quickly immerses the reader in a chaotic environment filled with water rushing into a chamber, creating a life-threatening situation. The protagonist, caught in the flood, attempts to safeguard a mysterious object stored in their jacket while fighting to stay afloat. Amren’s fierce determination is evident as she tries to hold back the water and protect their escape route, emphasizing the high stakes and intensity of the moment.
As the water level rises rapidly, the characters struggle to maintain control and find a way out. The protagonist hoists Amren onto their back, trying to reach the stairs amid the surging floodwaters. Amren’s command over the water becomes crucial as she calms and redirects the current, enabling them to move forward. Despite their efforts, a massive wave crashes down, sealing the stairs and trapping them in a watery tomb, which leads to a moment of despair where the protagonist feels certain they will drown, overwhelmed by the relentless force of nature and their own exhaustion.
The scene shifts as the characters are overwhelmed by water-wraiths, ethereal beings that seize them amidst the chaos. The protagonist’s body seizes as they are pulled underwater, experiencing a moment of near-death. The water-wraiths, speaking in hisses, declare that their sister’s debt has been paid before disappearing into the dawn sky. The characters manage to surface, gasping for air and battered but alive, with the rising sun illuminating the aftermath of their ordeal. This encounter underscores the supernatural elements at play and the dangerous, unpredictable nature of their environment.
In the final moments, the characters reach a secluded cove where Rhysand unexpectedly appears, questioning their actions. Tensions flare as Amren and the protagonist express their frustration over nearly drowning and the loss of their powers, which had been nullified by the hostile environment. Rhysand’s concern shifts to the object they retrieved, which is implied to be of significant importance. The chapter concludes with a sense of relief mixed with ongoing tension, as they regroup and prepare for what lies ahead, underscoring the perilous journey and the stakes involved in their quest.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What are the key events that occur during the water scene at the chapter’s beginning, and how do they demonstrate the characters’ abilities and the stakes of their situation?
Answer:
The water scene depicts a tense and dangerous struggle where Amren and the narrator are trapped in a flooded chamber. Amren aggressively slams her fist into the door, causing it to burst open, indicating her formidable power. The floodwaters rush in, threatening to drown them, but the narrator fights against the current by channeling a kernel of power—initially Tarquin’s, then their own—calming the water enough to escape. These events highlight their resilience, resourcefulness, and the critical importance of their powers in survival. The scene underscores the high stakes, as they are on the brink of drowning, emphasizing the perilous nature of their mission and the strength required to overcome such life-threatening obstacles.2. Question 2
How does the chapter illustrate the theme of cooperation and reliance among the characters, particularly between the narrator, Amren, and Rhysand?
Answer:
The chapter demonstrates a complex web of cooperation and reliance. Amren displays her strength by physically forcing the door back into the wall, while the narrator uses their growing mastery of elemental power to calm the floodwaters and assist in their escape. Rhysand’s role, although less directly involved in the water scene, is shown through his efforts to hunt down guards and ensure their safety afterward. The narrator’s act of hoisting Amren onto their back reflects trust and teamwork, while Amren’s actions show her willingness to risk herself to protect others. Rhysand’s concern about the object’s safety and his readiness to help highlight the importance of unity in facing danger, illustrating that their combined efforts are vital for survival.3. Question 3
In what ways does the chapter explore the concept of power, both magical and personal, and how do the characters’ reactions to these powers influence their actions?
Answer:
The chapter vividly depicts the characters’ use of power as a means of survival. Amren’s fiery palm and the narrator’s channeling of elemental energy demonstrate their formidable magical abilities. The narrator’s internal struggle to summon and control their power—initially Tarquin’s kernel, then their own—illustrates the importance of mastery and confidence in one’s abilities. Their reactions—fighting to open the door, calming the water, and breaking through barriers—show that power is not only a tool but also a reflection of their determination and resolve. The characters’ reliance on their powers influences their actions profoundly, pushing them to take risks and fight against seemingly insurmountable odds, reinforcing the idea that true strength arises from both innate ability and mental resilience.4. Question 4
Critically evaluate the significance of the water-wraiths’ statement, “Our sister’s debt is paid,” in the context of the chapter’s events.
Answer:
The water-wraiths’ statement signifies a pivotal moment of resolution in the chapter. Their declaration that “Our sister’s debt is paid” suggests that a debt—likely a moral or supernatural obligation—has been settled through the characters’ actions, possibly their escape or the fulfillment of a specific task. This moment underscores the importance of alliances and the complex web of obligations in their world. It also hints at the deeper lore and relationships among supernatural entities, adding a layer of meaning to the characters’ perilous journey. The wraiths’ departure indicates that a significant burden has been lifted, allowing the characters to move forward, and emphasizing that their struggle was part of a larger, interconnected narrative involving debts, duty, and resolution.5. Question 5
Based on the chapter, how might the characters’ experiences in this scene influence their subsequent decisions or attitudes toward their mission?
Answer:
The intense experience of nearly drowning and confronting supernatural water-wraiths likely reinforces the characters’ understanding of the dangers they face and the importance of their powers. It may deepen their resolve to succeed, knowing that failure could be fatal. The chapter also highlights the importance of teamwork, resilience, and quick thinking, which will probably influence their approach moving forward. The near-death experience might instill a sense of urgency or caution, prompting them to prepare more thoroughly or strategize more carefully for future encounters. Additionally, the resolution with the water-wraiths and the acknowledgment of debts paid could motivate the characters to pursue their goals with renewed determination, understanding that their actions have broader implications in their world’s intricate web of relationships and responsibilities.
Quotes
1. “No, no, no—”
This exclamation captures the immediacy and desperation of the protagonist’s situation as they face imminent drowning, highlighting the intense danger and emotional stakes of the scene.
2. “I had enough time to gulp down air, to grab Amren’s legs and brace myself—And watch as that door atop the stairs slid shut, sealing us in a watery tomb.”
This moment underscores the sense of helplessness and the looming threat of death, emphasizing the perilous nature of their underwater escape and the physical and emotional toll involved.
3. “Water-wraiths. But I couldn’t stand it. And as those spiny hands grabbed my arm, I opened my mouth, water shoving in, cutting off thought and sound and breath.”
This quote introduces the water-wraiths as a formidable and threatening force, symbolizing the dangerous supernatural elements at play and the protagonist’s helplessness against them.
4. “And the water-wraiths floated, staring with dark, large eyes. The sun was rising beyond them—the city encircling us stirring. The one in the center said, ‘Our sister’s debt is paid.’ And then they were gone.”
This passage signifies a pivotal moment where the water-wraiths acknowledge their debt being settled, marking a resolution in the scene and hinting at deeper mythological or supernatural lore.
5. “I opened my eyes to find Amren hoisting herself up on her elbows. ‘Where the hell were you?’ she demanded.”
This quote reflects the aftermath of the chaos, highlighting the tension and urgency between the characters, and underscores the chapter’s focus on survival and the aftermath of a life-threatening event.