A Court of Thorns and Roses
Chapter 40
by Maas, Sarah J.Feyre faces her second trial under Amarantha’s watch in a cavernous chamber, where the Attor and other faeries mock her. Tamlin stands silently behind Amarantha, his presence a fleeting comfort. The queen taunts Feyre about her unsolved riddle, offering a cruel “practice” round. As Feyre struggles to maintain composure, the floor suddenly lowers her into a pit, isolating her from Tamlin and the spectators above. The tension escalates as she realizes the trial’s deadly stakes, with Amarantha’s smug confidence underscoring Feyre’s vulnerability.
The pit reveals a divided chamber: one side holds Feyre, the other Lucien, chained and terrified. A spiked grate begins descending from above, threatening to crush them both. Feyre spots three levers and an inscribed riddle on the wall—her only hope for survival. Panic sets in as she recognizes her illiteracy; the carved words are indecipherable to her. Lucien’s frantic shouts amplify her desperation, while Amarantha’s glee and the faeries’ bets heighten the cruelty of the setup.
Time runs out as the glowing, red-hot spikes inch closer, filling the pit with oppressive heat. Feyre’s inability to read the riddle leaves her paralyzed, and Lucien’s distant position makes his help impossible. The scene underscores her isolation and the brutal whims of Amarantha’s games. The chapter’s tension peaks as the grate nears the levers, symbolizing Feyre’s impending doom and the queen’s twisted entertainment.
The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, with Feyre staring at the levers, her fate hanging in the balance. The physical and psychological torment—Amarantha’s manipulation, Lucien’s peril, and Feyre’s illiteracy—converge into a moment of sheer helplessness. The trial’s design exposes Feyre’s weaknesses while testing her resilience, leaving readers anxious for her next move. The narrative masterfully blends action, emotion, and stakes, reinforcing the series’ dark, high-stakes tone.
FAQs
1. What is the nature of Feyre’s second task under Amarantha, and how does it exploit her weaknesses?
Answer:
Feyre’s second task involves solving a riddle by selecting the correct lever from three options while a spiked, heated grate slowly descends to crush her. This challenge exploits Feyre’s illiteracy, as the inscription containing the riddle is written in words she cannot read. Amarantha’s cruelty is evident in her deliberate setup—she mocks Feyre’s ignorance while forcing her to rely on luck or intuition. The task also psychologically torments Feyre by placing Lucien in the adjacent chamber, ensuring she witnesses his potential death alongside her own. The chapter highlights Feyre’s vulnerability and Amarantha’s manipulation of her fears (e.g., the grate’s heat, Lucien’s chains, and the indecipherable text).2. How does Tamlin’s presence in this chapter reflect the tension between his loyalty to Amarantha and his feelings for Feyre?
Answer:
Tamlin stands behind Amarantha’s chair, maintaining a facade of indifference to protect himself and Feyre. However, his prolonged stare at Feyre reveals his unresolved emotions, prompting Amarantha to notice and react with irritation. This moment underscores the conflict between his forced allegiance to Amarantha (due to the curse) and his love for Feyre. His silence and rigid posture suggest internal struggle, as any overt display of concern could jeopardize them both. The chapter emphasizes the oppressive control Amarantha wields over Tamlin, reducing him to a passive observer in Feyre’s torment.3. Analyze the symbolism of the descending spiked grate and its impact on the scene’s tension.
Answer:
The spiked grate symbolizes inevitable doom and the cruelty of Amarantha’s games. Its slow descent creates visceral tension, as Feyre races against time to solve an impossible riddle. The glowing red spikes represent both physical pain (burning and piercing) and psychological torture, mirroring Feyre’s desperation. The grate’s division of the chamber also reinforces isolation—Feyre cannot reach Lucien, just as she cannot access Tamlin’s help. The faeries’ laughter and bets (e.g., Rhysand’s implied wager) further dehumanize Feyre, framing her suffering as entertainment. This imagery heightens the chapter’s stakes, emphasizing powerlessness and survival.4. How does Lucien’s role in this trial deepen the emotional stakes for Feyre?
Answer:
Lucien’s presence as a chained captive amplifies Feyre’s desperation, as his death would compound her guilt and failure. His visible panic (wide eye, struggling against chains) and shouted plea (“Answer it!”) force Feyre to confront her limitations—she cannot save him without solving the riddle. His brothers’ mockery in the crowd adds a layer of humiliation, contrasting with Feyre’s empathy. Lucien’s vulnerability (highlighted by his scar and metal eye) mirrors Feyre’s own, making their predicament a shared ordeal. This dynamic reinforces themes of loyalty and sacrifice central to their relationship.5. Why does Amarantha’s “generosity” in offering practice for the riddle ring hollow, and what does this reveal about her character?
Answer:
Amarantha’s offer is sarcastic and manipulative, as she knows Feyre cannot read the riddle. Her smug tone (“Too bad”) and the Attor’s laughter reveal her delight in Feyre’s distress. The “practice” is a taunt, designed to underscore Feyre’s helplessness rather than provide aid. This faux generosity exposes Amarantha’s sadism—she derives power from false hope and uneven odds. By framing the task as “unfair” (with only three levers), she twists the narrative to portray herself as merciful, further gaslighting Feyre. The scene cements Amarantha as a villain who weaponizes intellect and privilege against her victims.
Quotes
1. “Its teeth gleaming, the Attor grinned at me as I stood before Amarantha… It only smiled to unnerve me. It was working.”
This quote establishes the tense atmosphere of Feyre’s second trial, showcasing Amarantha’s psychological warfare through her monstrous servant. The Attor’s predatory grin symbolizes the constant intimidation Feyre faces in the Under Mountain.
2. “I didn’t deign to make a response… ‘Too bad,’ she said with a moue. ‘But I’m feeling generous tonight.’”
This exchange highlights the power dynamic between Feyre and Amarantha, demonstrating Feyre’s silent defiance against the queen’s taunting cruelty. Amarantha’s false generosity underscores her manipulative nature.
3. “Lucien lay chained to the center of the floor… his brutal scar was stark against his pale skin. Again he was to be Amarantha’s toy to torment.”
This powerful visual reveals Amarantha’s cruelty in using Lucien as bait and punishment. The description of his physical state emphasizes the personal stakes for Feyre and the depth of Amarantha’s sadism.
4. “Simply answer the question by selecting the correct lever, and you’ll win. Select the wrong one to your doom… ‘That is,’ she added, ‘if you can solve the puzzle in time.’”
This quote encapsulates the deadly game mechanics of Feyre’s trial, combining intellectual challenge with physical peril. Amarantha’s casual delivery of life-or-death stakes reveals her enjoyment of others’ suffering.
5. “I was going to be skewered by burning-hot spikes and then crushed on the ground like a grape.”
This visceral internal monologue captures Feyre’s raw terror and the brutal reality of her predicament. The graphic imagery emphasizes the chapter’s escalating tension and mortal danger.