A Court of Thorns and Roses
Chapter 7
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with the protagonist, Feyre, returning to the dining room where the golden-haired High Fae, Tamlin, and his companion Lucien are lounging. The opulence of their surroundings starkly contrasts with Feyre’s impoverished past, highlighting the vast disparity between humans and the immortal High Fae. Despite her hunger, Feyre remains wary, her internal monologue revealing her fear and resentment toward her captors. The tension is palpable as Tamlin assures her the food is safe, though his demeanor remains aloof and intimidating.
Feyre’s discomfort grows as she learns more about her hosts. Lucien’s teasing remarks reveal Tamlin’s age and immortality, unsettling Feyre further. The dynamic between the two faeries is playful yet predatory, with Feyre acutely aware of their power and her vulnerability. When Tamlin serves her food, she bristles at the implied condescension, though he frames it as an honor. The scene underscores the power imbalance and Feyre’s struggle to maintain her composure in the face of their unnerving presence.
The conversation turns to Feyre’s future in the faerie realm. Tamlin’s vague instructions—to “do whatever she wants”—leave her frustrated and uncertain. Her attempts to negotiate for her family’s survival are met with indifference, highlighting the faeries’ detachment from human suffering. Lucien’s sarcastic remarks and Tamlin’s terse responses further alienate Feyre, who feels trapped and powerless. The exchange reveals her desperation and the faeries’ unwillingness to empathize with her plight.
The chapter closes with Feyre’s reluctant apology for killing their friend, a moment that underscores her pragmatism and the faeries’ lingering hostility. The tension remains unresolved, leaving Feyre to grapple with her new reality. The interactions throughout the chapter emphasize the cultural and moral divide between humans and High Fae, setting the stage for future conflicts. Feyre’s internal struggle—between survival and defiance—anchors the narrative, making her a compelling and relatable protagonist.
FAQs
1. Comprehension Question
How does the protagonist’s perception of the High Fae evolve throughout the dining scene in Chapter 7?
Answer:
The protagonist initially views the High Fae with a mix of awe and fear, noting their staggering wealth and predatory grace (“wolves ready to pounce”). She compares their immortal, masked faces to “unearthly, primal, and imperious” beings, highlighting their otherness. However, as Tamlin serves her food and attempts awkward compliments (“You look…better than before”), she begins to see glimpses of their complexity—particularly Tamlin’s struggle to interact civilly despite his authority. This shift underscores the tension between their dangerous nature and potential humanity, leaving her wary yet curious about their intentions.
2. Analytical Question
What does the contrast between the High Fae’s opulence and the protagonist’s poverty reveal about the broader societal dynamics in the story?
Answer:
The golden goblets, wasted food, and Tamlin’s casual wealth starkly oppose the protagonist’s desperation (“my family is starving”). This disparity mirrors systemic inequality: the High Fae wield immortality and power, while humans like her scrape by. The protagonist’s fixation on their “mismatched cutlery” versus the Fae’s extravagance symbolizes this divide. Additionally, Tamlin’s dismissive remark (“I didn’t make the rules”) hints at a rigid, possibly unjust Treaty governing their worlds. The scene critiques privilege and foreshadows conflicts rooted in class and species hierarchies.
3. Critical Thinking Question
Why might Tamlin’s awkward attempts at conversation (“your hair is…clean”) be significant for his character development?
Answer:
Tamlin’s stilted dialogue reveals his discomfort with human interaction and his isolation as a High Fae leader. His failed compliments (“piss-poor attempt at flattery”) suggest he’s either out of practice or genuinely trying—and failing—to bridge the gap between their species. Lucien’s teasing (“Your skills with females have…rusted”) reinforces this, implying Tamlin was once more sociable. This awkwardness humanizes him, complicating the protagonist’s view of him as a mere predator. It also hints at potential growth, as his efforts (like serving her food) show a reluctant sense of duty or curiosity.
4. Application Question
How might the protagonist’s strategy of speaking to the High Fae “the way I might speak to any other predator” inform her survival in their court?
Answer:
Her cautious, measured responses (“I kept my face blank, willed my heart to calm”) demonstrate her understanding of power dynamics. By avoiding provocation and masking her emotions, she navigates their unpredictability—like when she apologizes to Lucien to de-escalate tension. This approach mirrors real-world tactics for dealing with volatile authority figures: assessing threats, choosing battles (e.g., refusing the dress for mobility), and using silence as a shield. However, her eventual outburst about her family (”starving”) shows the limits of restraint, hinting at future conflicts between survival and defiance.
Quotes
1. “Compared to him, compared to this place, compared to the elegant, easy way they held their goblets, the way the golden-haired one had called me human … we were all half-wild beasts to the High Fae. Even if they were the ones who could don fur and claws.”
This quote powerfully captures the protagonist’s realization of the stark contrast between humans and High Fae, highlighting the theme of power dynamics and perception. It shows her growing awareness of how the Fae view humans as inferior, despite their own animalistic traits.
2. “Because killing us is easier in pants.”
This blunt statement from Tamlin reveals the underlying tension and dark humor in their interactions. It acknowledges the protagonist’s hostility while also demonstrating Tamlin’s perceptiveness about her intentions, setting the tone for their complex relationship.
3. “It’s an honor for a human to be served by a High Fae.”
This quote exemplifies the hierarchical nature of Fae society and their view of humans. Tamlin’s statement underscores the cultural divide between them while also showing his attempt to maintain dominance in their interaction.
4. “What you do with your life isn’t my problem.”
This terse declaration from Tamlin represents the central conflict of the chapter - the protagonist’s struggle with her forced new existence. It highlights both her desperation for purpose and Tamlin’s initial detachment from her situation.
5. “My family is starving. Please let me go. There must be—must be some other loophole out of the Treaty’s rules—some other way to atone.”
This emotional plea reveals the protagonist’s primary motivation and inner conflict. It shows her desperation to return to her family while acknowledging the binding nature of the Treaty, setting up future plot developments.