A Court of Thorns and Roses
Chapter 20
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with Feyre unsettled after a tense dinner with Tamlin and Lucien. Seeking distraction, she paints a terrifying creature resembling the Attor, which unnerves her so deeply that she abandons her art to help with Fire Night preparations. The atmosphere grows increasingly eerie as the day of Calanmai arrives, marked by the absence of Tamlin and Lucien and the distant sound of summoning drums. Feyre feels an inexplicable pull toward the festivities despite not being invited, hinting at the primal magic surrounding the event.
As dusk falls, Feyre observes the bonfires lighting the distant hills and senses the rising tang of magic in the air. The drums grow louder, compelling her toward the celebration, but she hesitates until Tamlin suddenly appears, armed and shirtless. He warns her to stay in her chamber and lock the doors, revealing he must participate in the Great Rite as High Lord. His urgency and the glimpse of his lengthening canines heighten the tension, leaving Feyre both fearful and curious about the ritual’s nature.
Despite Tamlin’s stern warnings, Feyre’s curiosity overwhelms her, and she sneaks out to follow the drums. Riding her mare to the bonfire-lit hills, she encounters a masked crowd of High Fae, their features blurred by glamour. The intoxicating rhythm of the drums and the smoky, magical atmosphere draw her deeper into the celebration, though she remains cautious, keeping her hood up and knives ready. The chapter builds toward a climax as Feyre moves toward the heart of the ritual, defying Tamlin’s orders.
The chapter masterfully blends suspense and allure, emphasizing Feyre’s growing connection to the faerie world and her defiance of boundaries. The drums, the masked figures, and Tamlin’s cryptic warnings create a sense of danger and mystery, setting the stage for the Great Rite’s revelation. Feyre’s internal conflict—between fear and fascination—mirrors the chapter’s tension, leaving readers eager to discover the secrets of Calanmai and its consequences for her relationship with Tamlin.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the painting Feyre creates at the beginning of the chapter, and how does it foreshadow later events?
Answer:
The painting Feyre creates depicts a terrifying, skeletal gray creature with bat ears, membranous wings, and rows of fangs—a clear representation of the Attor or similar malevolent fae. This chilling artwork foreshadows the dangerous and violent nature of the Great Rite that Tamlin must participate in later in the chapter. The visceral reaction Feyre has to her own painting—smelling carrion and sensing death—mirrors the ominous atmosphere of Fire Night (Calanmai) and hints at the unseen horrors of the faerie ritual. The painting serves as both a subconscious manifestation of her fears and a premonition of the violence to come.2. Analyze Tamlin’s behavior and warnings to Feyre before he leaves for the Great Rite. What do his actions reveal about his character and the nature of the ritual?
Answer:
Tamlin’s abrupt, almost frantic warnings to Feyre—demanding she lock herself in her room and set up a snare—reveal both his protective instincts and the extreme danger of the Great Rite. His physical transformation (lengthening canines, quivering muscles) suggests the ritual awakens or requires his beastly nature, emphasizing its primal and violent essence. His refusal to explain the ritual, coupled with his weapons and armor, implies it involves combat or sacrifice. Tamlin’s tension and urgency highlight his dual role: as a High Lord, he must participate, but as Feyre’s protector, he fears for her safety. This duality underscores the conflict between his duties and his growing care for her.3. How does the author use sensory details to build tension and atmosphere during Fire Night? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
The author immerses the reader in Fire Night’s eerie atmosphere through vivid sensory details. The “deep, probing” drums create a rhythmic, almost hypnotic tension, while the “tang of metal” in the air signals potent, dangerous magic. Visual descriptions—such as the “ruby sky” marred by smoke and the “shimmering tangerine” tiles—paint a surreal, otherworldly scene. Feyre’s heightened senses (the drums resonating in her bones, the smoke thickening the air) amplify the tension, making the ritual feel both alluring and threatening. These details collectively create a sense of unease, drawing the reader into Feyre’s conflicted curiosity and dread.4. Why does Feyre ultimately disobey Tamlin’s orders and follow the drums to the bonfires? What does this decision reveal about her character?
Answer:
Feyre’s disobedience stems from her innate curiosity, stubbornness, and desire to understand the hidden world of the fae. Despite Tamlin’s warnings, the drums and the “wild, wicked voice” in her mind compel her to seek answers, reflecting her refusal to be sidelined or controlled. This decision highlights her bravery and recklessness, as well as her growing connection to the faerie realm—even when it terrifies her. It also underscores her human vulnerability; her inability to resist the ritual’s pull mirrors the fae’s supernatural influence over her, setting the stage for her deeper involvement in their world.5. What role does glamour play in the chapter, and how does it affect Feyre’s experience at the bonfires?
Answer:
Glamour obscures the true appearances of the High Fae at the bonfires, rendering their features indistinct or blurred when Feyre looks directly at them. This magic prevents her from fully perceiving the participants, emphasizing her outsider status as a human. The glamour also mirrors her family’s earlier experiences, creating a parallel that underscores her isolation. Despite this barrier, Feyre persists, using peripheral vision to navigate the crowd. The glamour’s intentional obscurity heightens the ritual’s mystique, reinforcing the divide between human and fae while fueling Feyre’s determination to uncover their secrets.
Quotes
1. “As I painted it, I could have sworn that I could smell breath that reeked of carrion, that the air beneath its wings whispered promises of death.”
This vivid description of Feyre’s chilling painting captures the growing tension and supernatural danger lurking in the Spring Court. The imagery foreshadows the threat of the Attor and the darker forces at work in Prythian.
2. “There was a string—a string tied to my gut that pulled me toward those hills, commanding me to go, to hear the faerie drums…”
This quote illustrates the primal, almost irresistible pull of faerie magic on Feyre, showing how she’s becoming increasingly entangled in the world of the Fae despite her human nature. It marks a turning point in her curiosity overriding caution.
3. “As a High Lord, I have to partake in the Great Rite.”
Tamlin’s terse explanation introduces the mysterious and important faerie ritual of Calanmai, hinting at his obligations and the deeper magical traditions of Prythian. This sets up the chapter’s central conflict between duty and protection.
4. “Go to your chamber. Lock your doors, set up a snare, whatever you do.”
Tamlin’s urgent warning creates suspense about the dangers of the Great Rite while demonstrating his protective instincts toward Feyre. The command contrasts with Feyre’s growing rebelliousness and curiosity about faerie customs.
5. “But a wild, wicked voice weaving in between the drumbeats whispered otherwise. Go, that voice said, tugging at me. Go see.”
This internal conflict captures Feyre’s pivotal decision to defy Tamlin’s orders, showing her transformation from cautious human to someone increasingly drawn to the dangerous magic of Prythian. The passage marks a key moment of character development.
Quotes
1. “As I painted it, I could have sworn that I could smell breath that reeked of carrion, that the air beneath its wings whispered promises of death.”
This vivid description of Feyre’s chilling painting captures the growing tension and supernatural danger lurking in the Spring Court. The imagery foreshadows the threat of the Attor and the darker forces at work in Prythian.
2. “There was a string — a string tied to my gut that pulled me toward those hills, commanding me to go, to hear the faerie drums…”
This quote illustrates the primal, almost irresistible pull of faerie magic on Feyre, showing how she’s becoming increasingly entangled in the world of the Fae despite her human nature. It marks a turning point in her curiosity overriding caution.
3. “As a High Lord, I have to partake in the Great Rite.”
Tamlin’s terse explanation introduces the mysterious and important faerie ritual of Calanmai, hinting at his obligations and the deeper magical traditions of Prythian. This sets up the chapter’s central conflict between duty and protection.
4. “Go to your chamber. Lock your doors, set up a snare, whatever you do.”
Tamlin’s urgent warning creates suspense about the dangers of the Great Rite while demonstrating his protective instincts toward Feyre. The command contrasts with Feyre’s growing rebelliousness and curiosity about faerie customs.
5. “But a wild, wicked voice weaving in between the drumbeats whispered otherwise. Go, that voice said, tugging at me. Go see.”
This internal conflict captures Feyre’s pivotal decision to defy Tamlin’s orders, showing her transformation from cautious human to someone increasingly drawn to the dangerous magic of Prythian. The passage marks a key moment of character development.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the painting Feyre creates at the beginning of the chapter, and how does it foreshadow later events?
Answer:
The painting Feyre creates depicts a terrifying, skeletal gray creature with bat ears, membranous wings, and rows of fangs—a clear representation of the Attor or similar malevolent fae. This chilling artwork foreshadows the dangerous and violent nature of the Great Rite that Tamlin must participate in later in the chapter. The visceral reaction Feyre has to her own painting—smelling carrion and sensing death—mirrors the ominous atmosphere of Fire Night (Calanmai) and hints at the unseen horrors of the faerie ritual. The painting serves as both a subconscious manifestation of her fears and a premonition of the violence to come.
2. Analyze Tamlin’s behavior and warnings to Feyre before he leaves for the Great Rite. What do his actions reveal about his character and the nature of the ritual?
Answer:
Tamlin’s abrupt, almost frantic warnings to Feyre—demanding she lock herself in her room and set up a snare—reveal both his protective instincts and the extreme danger of the Great Rite. His physical transformation (lengthening canines, quivering muscles) suggests the ritual awakens or requires his beastly nature, emphasizing its primal and violent essence. His refusal to explain the ritual, coupled with his weapons and armor, implies it involves combat or sacrifice. Tamlin’s tension and urgency highlight his dual role: as a High Lord, he must participate, but as Feyre’s protector, he fears for her safety. This duality underscores the conflict between his duties and his growing care for her.
3. How does the author use sensory details to build tension and atmosphere during Fire Night? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
The author immerses the reader in Fire Night’s eerie atmosphere through vivid sensory details. The “deep, probing” drums create a rhythmic, almost hypnotic tension, while the “tang of metal” in the air signals potent, dangerous magic. Visual descriptions—such as the “ruby sky” marred by smoke and the “shimmering tangerine” tiles—paint a surreal, otherworldly scene. Feyre’s heightened senses (the drums resonating in her bones, the smoke thickening the air) amplify the tension, making the ritual feel both alluring and threatening. These details collectively create a sense of unease, drawing the reader into Feyre’s conflicted curiosity and dread.
4. Why does Feyre ultimately disobey Tamlin’s orders and follow the drums to the bonfires? What does this decision reveal about her character?
Answer:
Feyre’s disobedience stems from her innate curiosity, stubbornness, and desire to understand the hidden world of the fae. Despite Tamlin’s warnings, the drums and the “wild, wicked voice” in her mind compel her to seek answers, reflecting her refusal to be sidelined or controlled. This decision highlights her bravery and recklessness, as well as her growing connection to the faerie realm—even when it terrifies her. It also underscores her human vulnerability; her inability to resist the ritual’s pull mirrors the fae’s supernatural influence over her, setting the stage for her deeper involvement in their world.
5. What role does glamour play in the chapter, and how does it affect Feyre’s experience at the bonfires?
Answer:
Glamour obscures the true appearances of the High Fae at the bonfires, rendering their features indistinct or blurred when Feyre looks directly at them. This magic prevents her from fully perceiving the participants, emphasizing her outsider status as a human. The glamour also mirrors her family’s earlier experiences, creating a parallel that underscores her isolation. Despite this barrier, Feyre persists, using peripheral vision to navigate the crowd. The glamour’s intentional obscurity heightens the ritual’s mystique, reinforcing the divide between human and fae while fueling Feyre’s determination to uncover their secrets.
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