Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)
Chapter 39
by J, Maas, SarahIn Chapter 39 of “Crown of Midnight,” Celaena is depicted observing Archer’s townhouse from a concealed vantage point, wary of the clandestine gathering inside. She reflects on her conflicted feelings about her involvement with Archer and his movement, recognizing the complex ties to Nehemia, who was part of this secretive group. Despite her desire to distance herself, she grapples with her sense of loyalty and the necessity of her covert mission, which involves monitoring Archer’s activities and the people attending his gatherings. The snowstorm adds a layer of tension and obscurity, reinforcing her cautious approach as she assesses the scene unfolding before her.
The chapter details Celaena’s detailed surveillance of the gathering, identifying familiar faces among the cloaked guests and noting unfamiliar ones, including a young guard she recognizes from a previous encounter. She observes the interactions of the guards and the movements of key individuals, especially a tall, armed young man who appears to be a significant figure in the gathering. Her observations hint at underlying tensions and secret dealings, as she notes Archer’s dismissive attitude towards this young man, culminating in a heated exchange outside Archer’s house. The scene underscores the dangerous, covert nature of these clandestine meetings and Celaena’s role as an outsider trying to piece together the mystery.
Later, Celaena’s internal conflict deepens as she contemplates her emotional detachment and exhaustion from her ongoing missions. She considers trailing the young stranger, but her focus remains on monitoring Archer’s departure, especially as she prepares to execute her plan involving a fake corpse for the king. Her sense of disillusionment grows as she recognizes the toll her actions are taking on her, feeling increasingly disconnected from her previous motivations and relationships. Her weariness is compounded by her awareness of the risks involved and her uncertain future once her current objectives are accomplished.
The chapter concludes with Celaena visiting Dorian’s tower, where she contemplates her interactions with the prince. Her arrival is marked by a sense of hesitation and introspection, as she debates whether to accept his invitation for dinner. Dorian’s cozy, somewhat shabby tower contrasts with her expectations of grandeur, providing a moment of respite and normalcy amidst her turbulent life. Their conversation reveals a shared bond, tinged with underlying tension, as Celaena appreciates the rare moments of laughter and connection. This scene emphasizes her emotional fatigue and longing for genuine human interaction, even if it feels conflicted or misplaced in her current state.
FAQs
1. What motivates Celaena’s decision to observe Archer’s townhouse and the gathering of people entering it?
Answer:
Celaena’s primary motivation for observing Archer’s townhouse is to monitor his activities and gather intelligence about his movements and associates. She is wary of him because of her past interactions and her knowledge that he is involved with a clandestine group that includes Nehemia, whom she still cares about. Although she initially wants nothing to do with Archer or his movement, her sense of loyalty to Nehemia compels her to keep watch. Additionally, she is aware that her presence is dangerous—she is cautious about being detected, which could jeopardize her plans or her safety. Her observations serve her strategic purpose of understanding Archer’s dealings and timing her actions accordingly.2. How does Celaena’s attitude toward Archer and his associates reflect her internal conflict and emotional state?
Answer:
Celaena’s attitude toward Archer and his associates reveals her complex emotional state and internal conflict. She is torn between her desire to distance herself from the dangerous world she inhabits and her lingering sense of loyalty and concern for Nehemia, who is connected to this group. Her thoughts about possibly killing all involved and her resignation to the difficult circumstances she faces suggest feelings of frustration, guilt, and emotional exhaustion. Her aloofness and indifference, such as wishing she could just toss heads at the king’s feet or feeling numb to the events unfolding, indicate her deep sense of disillusionment and emotional fatigue. This internal struggle underscores her sense of isolation and the toll her dangerous life has taken on her.3. In what ways does the description of Dorian’s tower contrast with Celaena’s expectations, and what might this reveal about his character?
Answer:
The description of Dorian’s tower as “cozy” and somewhat shabby contrasts with her expectation of grandeur and elegance, which suggests that Dorian is not overly concerned with appearances or status. The modesty of the space, with its faded tapestry, soot-stained fireplace, and cluttered bookshelves, indicates that he values comfort and perhaps a simpler, more personal environment over ostentatious displays of wealth. This contrast reveals Dorian’s down-to-earth personality and a possible desire for authenticity and normalcy, despite his noble status. It also suggests that he is approachable and genuine, qualities that make him more relatable and humanize him beyond the typical princely stereotype.4. How does Celaena’s interaction with Dorian in this chapter deepen our understanding of her emotional state and her relationships?
Answer:
Celaena’s interaction with Dorian reveals her longing for connection and her vulnerability. Her amusement at his laugh and her comment about needing a librarian show her appreciation for simple moments of humor and normalcy, which she has been deprived of. Her recognition of how much she misses laughing, despite her current emotional exhaustion, underscores her loneliness and desire for companionship. This interaction also highlights her complex relationship with Dorian—she is intrigued by him and finds comfort in their banter, yet she remains guarded about her true feelings and intentions. Overall, this scene deepens our understanding of her emotional fatigue, her need for human connection, and her cautious hope for genuine relationships amidst chaos.5. What does Celaena’s decision to come to Dorian’s tower, despite her doubts and the risks involved, suggest about her character and her current priorities?
Answer:
Celaena’s decision to visit Dorian’s tower, even though she feels uncertain and recognizes the risks, demonstrates her internal conflict and her longing for normalcy or a moment of respite. Her hesitation and the fact that she almost chose to eat elsewhere show her reluctance to engage but also her recognition that she needs some connection or comfort. It reflects her resilience and her willingness to take calculated risks to maintain some semblance of her identity beyond her role as a assassin and rebel. This choice reveals her prioritization of emotional sustenance and her subtle hope for stability and human connection, even in the midst of chaos and danger.
Quotes
1. “She wished she’d been close enough to hear what they’d said, to understand what this was all about. But that was before. Now … now, she didn’t particularly care.”
This quote encapsulates Celaena’s emotional detachment and growing apathy, marking a pivotal shift in her character’s outlook—she’s losing her capacity to care, which reflects her internal struggle and disillusionment.
2. “Incredibly hard to care, when you didn’t have anyone left to care about.”
This line underscores the depth of Celaena’s emotional exhaustion and isolation, emphasizing a central theme of loneliness and the toll of her choices.
3. “No need to worry,” he told them as Celaena walked into the prince’s chambers.
This moment highlights the contrast between appearances and underlying tensions—Dorian’s attempt to project calm and control, setting the tone for the chapter’s exploration of political and personal complexities.
4. “Even if Nehemia had pretended she didn’t know anything about these people … they were still her people.”
This quote reveals Celaena’s internal conflict—her loyalty to Nehemia and the moral dilemma of her covert actions—adding depth to her character’s motivations.
5. “They covered every surface, every bit of space along the walls.”
This description of Dorian’s tower symbolizes the chaos and clutter of his personal space, reflecting his somewhat unkempt, genuine personality versus the grandeur often associated with royalty.