Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)
Chapter 15
by J, Maas, SarahThe chapter opens with a bustling scene in the Great Hall during dinner, where Celaena, typically preferring solitude, joins the crowd to witness Rena Goldsmith’s performance honoring Prince Hollin’s return. The hall is filled with nobility, courtiers, and guards, creating an atmosphere of tension and intrigue. Celaena observes the royal family and the young prince Hollin, whose appearance and circumstances evoke a mix of pity and curiosity. The setting underscores the political and social dynamics at play, highlighting the court’s opulence and underlying tensions, as Celaena navigates her place within this environment.
Chaol unexpectedly joins Celaena at her table, bringing along his guards, which signifies a shift in their relationship and her standing within the court. The guards’ cautious politeness and Ress’s lively gossip reveal a moment of camaraderie amidst the courtly veneer. Ress recounts a humorous and scandalous story involving a royal misadventure, illustrating the juxtaposition of court gossip and the underlying seriousness of political life. Chaol’s relaxed demeanor and the guards’ respect for him emphasize his authority and the subtle power dynamics at work, while Celaena’s playful banter with Chaol provides a brief respite from the tension.
The focus then shifts to Rena Goldsmith’s musical performance, which captivates the entire hall. Her ethereal voice and skillful harp and violin playing create an almost hypnotic atmosphere, drawing the audience into a world of distant lands and legendary tales. Rena’s choice of song, an ancient legend about a powerful Fae woman, adds a layer of boldness and symbolism, especially as she dedicates it to the royal family. The song’s story of a misunderstood and feared woman who finds love and acceptance through a knight’s genuine regard underscores themes of power, loneliness, and true understanding, resonating deeply with the emotional undercurrents of the scene.
As the performance concludes, Celaena is moved to tears, overwhelmed by the song’s poignant story and its emotional depth. Her reaction is subtly acknowledged by Chaol, whose quiet support offers her comfort amid the courtly setting. The chapter ends with a moment of shared understanding between them, highlighting the emotional connection and mutual respect that underpins their relationship. The scene encapsulates the power of music and art to transcend political and social barriers, revealing deeper truths about identity, love, and acceptance within a richly textured court environment.
FAQs
1. Question 1
How does Celaena’s seating arrangement during the dinner reflect the social and political dynamics of the court, and what does her choice to sit among the lesser nobility suggest about her character or intentions?
Answer:
Celaena’s decision to sit at the back among the lesser nobility, despite her usual preference for privacy, indicates her awareness of the court’s hierarchical and potentially dangerous environment. The seating arrangement signifies her recognition of the political importance of the event, especially with Rena Goldsmith’s performance honoring Prince Hollin’s return. Choosing this spot allows her to observe court life more intimately and perhaps subtly gather information, reflecting her cautious and strategic nature. It also shows her willingness to engage with different social strata, hinting at her adaptability and her desire to stay connected to the broader court’s happenings, which could be vital for her plans or safety.2. Question 2
What is the significance of Rena Goldsmith’s performance and the song she chooses to sing in the context of the story, and how does it relate to the themes of power and perception?
Answer:
Rena Goldsmith’s performance is highly significant as it not only entertains but also conveys deeper themes of power, loneliness, and perception. The song recounts the legend of a powerful Fae woman whose abilities are feared and exploited by kings and lords, yet ultimately is seen for who she truly is through the love of a knight. This story mirrors the broader themes in the narrative—power can be dangerous and isolating, but true understanding and love can transcend superficial judgments. The choice to dedicate such a bold song to the royal family suggests that music and art hold a subtle form of influence, capable of shaping perceptions and perhaps even softening tyranny or prejudice. It underscores the idea that true power lies in understanding and empathy.3. Question 3
How does the interaction between Celaena and Chaol during the dinner scene demonstrate their relationship and individual personalities?
Answer:
The interaction highlights a nuanced relationship characterized by mutual respect, understanding, and subtle emotional support. Celaena’s lighthearted teasing and Chaol’s relaxed demeanor suggest they share a camaraderie that balances flirtation with genuine concern. Chaol’s choice to sit beside her and his attentiveness to her feelings—evidenced by his smile when she begins crying—reflect his protective nature and deep care. Celaena’s willingness to laugh and engage in banter shows her resilience and comfort with Chaol, despite the underlying tension of their circumstances. Overall, their interaction reveals their close bond, built on trust and an unspoken understanding, and hints at their importance in each other’s lives amid the court’s intrigues.4. Question 4
In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of art as a form of subtle influence or resistance, particularly through Rena Goldsmith’s singing?
Answer:
The chapter presents art—specifically music and storytelling—as a powerful vehicle for conveying messages beyond mere entertainment. Rena’s performance, especially her choice of the legendary song about a powerful Fae woman, acts as a form of subtle resistance or commentary on power and perception. The song’s themes of loneliness, misunderstood strength, and the importance of seeing beyond surface appearances serve as a metaphor for the broader political landscape. The fact that the court remains captivated and silent during her performance suggests that art can influence emotions and perceptions deeply, possibly swaying opinions or fostering empathy without direct confrontation. This underscores art’s potential as a tool for subtle influence and reflection within a complex power structure.5. Question 5
What does Celaena’s emotional response to Rena’s song reveal about her character and her current state of mind?
Answer:
Celaena’s tears during Rena’s song reveal her vulnerability and emotional depth, contrasting with her otherwise strong and guarded exterior. Her reaction indicates that she is deeply moved by the story of the Fae woman’s loneliness and longing, which resonates with her own experiences or feelings of isolation. Her attempt to hide her tears shows her internal struggle to maintain composure in a court full of political intrigue and superficial appearances. The fact that Chaol notices her emotional state and understands her hints at a level of trust and connection between them. Overall, her response highlights her complex inner world—one that is sensitive, empathetic, and capable of profound emotional reactions despite her outward toughness.
Quotes
1. “Her voice was soft, ethereal, the sound of a lullaby half-remembered. The songs she sang, one by one, held Celaena in place. Songs of distant lands, of forgotten legends, of lovers forever waiting to be reunited.”
This quote highlights the captivating power of Rena Goldsmith’s music, emphasizing how art can transcend the immediate and evoke deep, timeless emotions. It underscores one of the chapter’s central themes: the profound influence of music and storytelling.
2. “It was a bold song to sing; dedicating it to the king’s family was even bolder. But the royals made no outcry. Even the king just stared blankly at Rena as though she weren’t singing about the very power he’d outlawed ten years ago. Perhaps her voice could conquer even a tyrant’s heart.”
This passage explores the subversive nature of art and its potential to challenge authority. It suggests that music can serve as a subtle form of resistance, capable of stirring truths that words alone might not express.
3. “Somehow she skipped a breath, and it set her lips wobbling. She shouldn’t cry, not here, not with these people around her. But then a warm, calloused hand grasped hers beneath the table, and she turned her head to find Chaol looking at her. He smiled slightly—and she knew he understood.”
This moment captures the emotional depth of the chapter, illustrating how silent support and understanding can convey powerful empathy. It emphasizes the connection between Celaena and Chaol, grounded in shared unspoken understanding amidst a backdrop of political tension.