Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)
Chapter 35
by J, Maas, SarahIn Chapter 35, Celaena undertakes a covert mission that involves stealth and careful planning. Disguised in her darkest attire and masked to conceal her identity, she meticulously removes all traces of her presence from her chambers, knowing her movements are being watched. Her familiarity with the castle’s secret passages allows her to descend unerringly into the tomb, where she intends to steal an object of significant value. Her actions are driven by a sense of urgency and resolve, as she prepares to confront a dangerous situation without relying on light or assistance, emphasizing her skills as an assassin and her determination to achieve her goals.
The chapter shifts to Celaena’s infiltration into Rifthold’s underground world, where she seeks information about Grave, a notorious assassin responsible for Nehemia’s death. Moving through the grim and squalid streets of the slums, she remains unperturbed by the chaos around her, her face hidden beneath her mask. Her destination is the Vaults, a notorious den of criminals and cutthroats, where whispers of her target’s whereabouts can be uncovered. Her intent is clear: to locate Grave and gather intelligence, knowing that the information she gains could be crucial in her quest for justice and revenge.
Celaena’s journey into the Vaults reveals her strategic and ruthless nature. She navigates the dangerous environment with ease, paying a fee to gain entry into the underground network. Her focus is solely on her objective, disregarding the depravity surrounding her, including the fighting pits and the illicit dealings that thrive in this shadowy realm. Her familiarity with the place and her ability to blend into the chaos highlight her experience and professionalism as an assassin. Her presence in the Vaults demonstrates her willingness to confront the darker aspects of her world to find the answers she desperately seeks.
The chapter concludes with Celaena’s subtle interaction with the bar’s barkeep, where she continues her reconnaissance under the guise of anonymity. Her careful concealment of her identity underscores her cautious approach, aware that even in this den of vice, she must remain vigilant. As she prepares to gather information about Grave, her determination is palpable. Her actions reflect a calculated balance of stealth, strength, and patience, all essential traits for her to succeed in her dangerous mission and ultimately bring justice for Nehemia.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What motivates Celaena to undertake her clandestine mission into the tomb and the Vaults, and how does her approach reflect her character traits?
Answer:
Celaena’s motivation for infiltrating the tomb and the Vaults stems from her desire to gather information about Grave, the assassin responsible for Nehemia’s death. She is determined to find him and exact justice, even if it means risking her safety and operating in secrecy. Her stealthy, calculated approach—dressing in dark clothing, removing weapons, and avoiding detection—reflects her skills as an assassin, her resourcefulness, and her willingness to undertake dangerous, morally complex tasks. This clandestine mission demonstrates her resolve, her ability to operate under the cover of darkness, and her relentless pursuit of justice, all core traits of her character as a skilled and determined assassin.2. Question 2
How does the chapter depict the contrast between Celaena’s inner resolve and the dangerous environment she navigates?
Answer:
The chapter vividly contrasts Celaena’s inner resolve with the perilous environment she enters. Her determination is showcased through her meticulous planning, her silence, and her focus on her mission—she moves through the tomb, the sewer, and the Vaults with purpose and calm. Meanwhile, the environment—dark, corrupt, filled with filth, and inhabited by criminals and cutthroats—embodies danger and moral depravity. Despite this, Celaena remains unshaken, embodying resilience and cold professionalism. The stark imagery of sewage, dilapidated buildings, and drunken crowds underscores the risks she faces, yet her unwavering focus highlights her strength and unwavering commitment to her goal, illustrating her ability to maintain inner resolve amidst chaos.3. Question 3
In what ways does the chapter explore themes of morality and sacrilege, particularly regarding Celaena’s actions with the sacred sword and her clandestine activities?
Answer:
The chapter explores themes of morality and sacrilege through Celaena’s actions that challenge conventional notions of respect and sanctity. Her theft of the sacred sword Damaris, the first King of Adarlan’s weapon, signifies her willingness to defy religious and cultural taboos, viewing it as necessary for her mission rather than an act of disrespect. Mort’s warning about angering the gods underscores the sacredness of the sword and the moral weight of her actions. Additionally, her secretive, violent activities—breaking into tombs, infiltrating the Vaults, and hunting Grave—highlight the morally ambiguous choices she makes, emphasizing her role as an assassin who operates outside traditional morality to pursue justice. These acts raise questions about morality’s relativity and the cost of personal conviction.4. Question 4
How does Celaena’s infiltration into the Vaults and her interactions with the criminal underworld demonstrate her strategic thinking and adaptability?
Answer:
Celaena’s infiltration into the Vaults and her navigation of the criminal underworld showcase her strategic mindset and adaptability. She carefully plans her approach—using her knowledge of the environment, disguising her identity with a mask and hood, and paying off guards to gain access. Her familiarity with the sewers and underground spaces allows her to move stealthily and avoid detection, exemplifying her resourcefulness. Her ability to blend into a depraved environment filled with dangerous criminals—without revealing her true identity—demonstrates her tactical thinking and flexibility. This adaptability is crucial for an assassin operating in unpredictable, hostile settings, enabling her to gather intelligence effectively and stay one step ahead of her enemies.5. Question 5
What does the chapter reveal about Celaena’s emotional state and her motivations beyond the pursuit of justice, especially considering her interactions and internal thoughts?
Answer:
The chapter hints at a complex emotional landscape beneath Celaena’s composed exterior. Her quiet sorrow over her friend Nehemia’s death reveals a personal loss that fuels her determination. Her focus on Grave and her vow to make him pay indicate a desire for retribution and justice, but also suggest an underlying need for closure and revenge. Her calm, calculated demeanor masks inner pain, anger, and a sense of purpose that goes beyond mere duty. Her relentless pursuit of Grave and her willingness to operate in dangerous, morally gray spaces reflect her deep-seated motivation driven by loyalty, grief, and her desire to confront those who threaten her world. This layered emotional state makes her a complex character motivated by personal loss as much as by justice.
Quotes
1. “There would be no candles for these midnight deeds, no ivory horn to signal the start of this hunt.”
This opening line sets the clandestine and dangerous tone of her mission, emphasizing the secrecy and stealth required for her actions. It highlights her willingness to operate in the shadows, avoiding traditional signals or markers of her intent.
2. “She relished the burn in her arms as she hauled the sewer grate up, rotating the ancient wheel until it was fully raised, dripping with filth, and the water beneath the castle flowed freely into the small river outside. She tossed a piece of broken stone into the river beyond the archway, listening for guards.”
This passage underscores her resourcefulness and determination, illustrating her readiness to undertake dangerous, dirty work to uncover truths—specifically, her pursuit of Grave and her commitment to her mission.
3. “She didn’t know the identity of the new crime lord who ruled over this place, and didn’t care. Her business wasn’t with him, not tonight. She didn’t allow herself to look at the many fighting pits that occupied the distant end of the chamber—pits where crowds were still gathered, cheering for whoever fought with fists and feet within.”
This quote reflects her focus and detachment, emphasizing her single-minded pursuit of her goal despite the chaos and depravity around her. It also hints at the shifting power dynamics within the criminal underworld she navigates.
4. “She’d been to the Vaults before, many times in those final days before her capture. Now that Ioan Jayne and Rourke Farran were dead, the place seemed to have passed into new ownership without losing any of its depravity.”
This line provides context about her past and the ongoing corruption of the underground, reinforcing her familiarity with the dark underbelly of Rifthold and the persistent danger lurking there.
5. “Only one place could provide the answers she wanted.”
A succinct but powerful statement that encapsulates her determination. It signifies her unwavering focus on finding Grave, implying that her current location is a critical step toward uncovering the truth she seeks.