A Court of Mist and Fury
Chapter 39
by J, Maas, SarahIn this chapter, the narrator visits Amren at her apartment, a unique, spacious space atop a three-story building with views of the Sidra and a city square. The environment reflects Amren’s personality—disorganized yet functional, with scattered furniture and a large bed. The conversation begins with a focus on decoding a mysterious language, which Amren aims to relearn before tackling an elusive Book. The setting emphasizes her independence and disdain for ornate living, preferring her simple riverside apartment free from social obligations, highlighting her preference for solitude and practicality over grandeur.
The narrative shifts to a personal exchange involving messages between the narrator and Rhys, revealing a playful and intimate connection. Rhys’ cryptic note about a tattooed star and mountain on his knees hints at his defiance and pride, emphasizing their bond and shared understanding. The narrator’s curiosity about Rhys’ message and their banter underline the closeness of their relationship. Meanwhile, Amren’s fascination with blood and her casual consumption of lamb blood underscore her mysterious, predatory nature, contrasting with her sharp intellect and independence. Her taste for lamb and goat blood symbolizes her refined yet primal nature.
Amren’s discussion extends to her past experiences with wealth and power, revealing her disdain for hosting parties and her preference for a simple life by the river. Her scattered jewelry and fine clothes suggest a history of high status and wealth, yet she chooses a modest, unassuming life. Her contentment with her current living situation reflects her desire for autonomy and disdain for societal expectations. The dialogue also touches on her relationships with others, including Cassian’s concern and her own complex feelings about her world and past, adding depth to her character.
The chapter concludes with updates on the ongoing efforts to communicate with the mortal queens and infiltrate their courts. Azriel’s covert operations continue with little success, and the narrative hints at the frustration and uncertainty faced by the characters. Meanwhile, Amren’s possession of a blood ruby and her interactions with Varian reveal her strategic alliances and her resilience in a world filled with danger and political intrigue. The chapter paints a picture of a complex, layered world where personal history, magic, and political machinations intertwine, setting the stage for future developments.
FAQs
1. What does the setting of Amren’s apartment reveal about her character and lifestyle?
Answer:
Amren’s apartment, described as a single large room with faded oak floors, scattered furniture, and a bed that is a permanent fixture, suggests a personality that values practicality and independence over opulence. The absence of a kitchen and her preference for a simple, unadorned space indicates she is unpretentious and perhaps prefers a life free from social obligations like hosting parties. The apartment’s location by the river and the fact that she has lived in various environments—from palaces to cottages—highlight her nomadic, adaptable nature and her desire for a space that offers solitude and control. Overall, the setting reflects her pragmatic, solitary, and somewhat rebellious spirit.2. How does Amren’s attitude toward her language and her past experiences with it inform her current goals?
Answer:
Amren mentions that she has not used her language in a long time and aims to master it again before tackling the Book, indicating her determination to reconnect with her past knowledge and power. This desire suggests that her language skills are essential for her current objectives, likely related to understanding or unlocking something significant, such as the Book or other ancient knowledge. Her comment about wanting to master it “before those haughty queens give us their share” hints at political or strategic motives, emphasizing her focus on reclaiming her abilities to better navigate the complex power dynamics she faces. Her attitude reflects a sense of purpose and a recognition of her own potential that she wishes to regain.3. In what ways does the exchange about blood and blood consumption deepen our understanding of Amren’s character?
Answer:
The discussion about blood, particularly her preference for lamb or goat blood over human blood, reveals her pragmatic and somewhat detached attitude toward her needs. Amren’s casual consumption of blood and her comments about its taste—comparing human blood to “piss-poor palates”—highlight her pragmatic approach and her ability to detach herself from moral or emotional considerations. Her preference for animal blood and her acknowledgment of its “purer, richer” qualities suggest she values purity and perhaps a sense of nostalgia or longing for another time and place, as she mentions. Her blood-drinking also indicates her supernatural nature, emphasizing her otherworldly, powerful, and somewhat aloof personality.4. How does the necklace sent by Varian and Amren’s reaction to it reflect her personality and her relationships with others?
Answer:
The necklace of diamonds and rubies, sent by Varian to soften Tarquin’s declaration of their blood feud, indicates that Amren is a figure of influence and strategic importance. Her smile and the way she displays the necklace suggest she appreciates the gesture, recognizing the significance of the gift and what it symbolizes—an attempt at diplomacy or peace. Her remark that she and Varian did not pursue a romantic relationship, despite the tempting possibility, shows her independence and pragmatic worldview. She is selective in her attachments and values her autonomy. The necklace, therefore, reflects her complex relationships—respectful yet distant, strategic, and self-reliant.5. What does the ongoing effort of Azriel to infiltrate the courts tell us about the larger conflict in the story?
Answer:
Azriel’s persistent attempts to infiltrate the courts, despite repeated failures, highlight the importance of intelligence and espionage in the larger conflict. It underscores the high stakes involved in the political and possibly supernatural struggles among the courts and factions. The fact that he is dedicated to this dangerous task, with Mor monitoring his progress, suggests a tense environment where information is power and every effort to gain insight could be pivotal. This ongoing effort illustrates the complexity and danger of the political landscape, emphasizing themes of loyalty, strategy, and the constant battle for advantage in a world rife with secrets and rivalries.
Quotes
1. “I want to master it again before tackling the Book. Hopefully by then, those haughty queens will have given us their share.”
This quote highlights Amren’s determination to relearn an ancient language crucial for their quest, emphasizing the importance of language as a key to unlocking hidden knowledge and power.
2. “Rhys convinced you not to destroy Adriata for the blood ruby?”
This line underscores the significance of alliances and influence, revealing how Rhys’s persuasion affects Amren’s decisions regarding powerful artifacts and their potential threats.
3. “Waiting for the mortal queens to answer our request to meet.”
This succinct statement encapsulates the overarching theme of anticipation and the strategic patience required in their ongoing political and mystical negotiations, marking a turning point in their quest for answers.
4. “She owned the top floor of a three-story building, the sloped ceiling ending on either side in a massive window.”
This descriptive passage sets the scene for Amren’s environment, reflecting her unconventional and unpretentious lifestyle despite her immense power and status, which contrasts with her formidable nature.
5. “Blood gleamed on her teeth. ‘Thank you.’”
This impactful line captures Amren’s primal and visceral nature, emphasizing her connection to blood magic and her raw, unfiltered persona, which is central to her character’s identity.