Fourth Wing
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
by Yarros, RebeccaThe chapter opens with a reflection on the awe and humility experienced during Threshing, a perilous event for first-year cadets in the Riders Quadrant. Held annually on October first, it involves young riders entering a forested valley with the hope of bonding with a dragon, knowing that failure often results in death. The narrative emphasizes the dangerous and unpredictable nature of this ritual, highlighting the intense mixture of fear and determination that defines the cadets’ mindset as they prepare for this life-changing event.
As the cadets gather in the valley, they are instructed by Professor Kaori on how to approach their dragon-seeking experience. The students are advised to be attentive to their feelings and instincts, as dragon selection is believed to be guided by a spiritual call. Conversations among the students reveal their personal strategies and uncertainties, with some contemplating specific dragon colors and others feeling disconnected from the process. The atmosphere is tense, underscored by a sense of competition and the understanding that survival depends on intuition and luck.
The scene then shifts to the cadets dispersing in different directions, each trying to find their destined dragon. The narrative describes the landscape and the sounds of dragons overhead, illustrating the chaos and danger of the event. The protagonist, feeling a mixture of fear and hope, encounters various dragons of different colors, but none seem to resonate with her. Her internal struggle deepens as she questions her worth and whether she is truly meant to become a rider, haunted by fears of repeated failure and mortality.
In the final moments, the protagonist perceives a red dragon that is not her assigned one, and she remains cautious, observing from the shadows. She reflects on the ominous signs around her—smoke, destruction, and the absence of a true connection—leading to a sense of despair about her future prospects. The chapter concludes with her contemplating the possibility that she may never bond with a dragon, feeling the weight of her perceived insignificance and the daunting reality of Threshing as a test of life and death.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What is the significance of October 1st in the context of the Riders Quadrant, and what does this event symbolize for the cadets?
Answer:
October 1st, known as Threshing, is a pivotal day for the first-year cadets of the Riders Quadrant. It marks the day they enter the forested valley to seek out their dragons, with the hope of bonding and becoming riders. This event symbolizes both a rite of passage and a test of survival, emphasizing humility, courage, and the unpredictability of fate. The chapter underscores its importance by describing it as an event that happens regardless of the day of the week, and it is filled with anticipation and trepidation. For the cadets, Threshing is a life-changing moment that can lead to either becoming a rider or facing the possibility of never leaving the forest alive, encapsulating themes of risk, hope, and the harsh realities of their training.2. Question 2
How does Professor Kaori advise the cadets to approach their search for a dragon, and what does this reveal about the nature of bonding with a dragon?
Answer:
Professor Kaori advises the cadets to listen carefully to their feelings and instincts rather than solely relying on physical cues or memorized information. He emphasizes paying attention to both their surroundings and their emotions, suggesting that if their feelings indicate they should go in a different direction, they should trust that instinct. This advice reveals that bonding with a dragon is an intuitive and emotional process rather than purely a strategic or logical one. It highlights the importance of inner sensing and connection, suggesting that successful bonding involves a harmony of mind and emotion. This approach underscores the chapter’s theme that the relationship with a dragon is deeply personal and requires genuine attunement to one’s inner voice.3. Question 3
What does the chapter suggest about the dangers of grouping together during Threshing, and how does this influence the strategy cadets should use?
Answer:
The chapter cites Professor Kaori’s statement that going in groups increases the risk of incineration rather than bonding with a dragon. The statistics from the scribes support this, indicating that individual efforts are more likely to lead to success. This advice suggests that the chaos and unpredictability of the forest, combined with the aggressive nature of some dragons, make group cohesion a liability rather than an advantage. As a result, cadets are encouraged to spread out and act independently, using every part of the valley to their advantage. This strategy emphasizes self-reliance and caution, reinforcing the idea that the process of bonding is highly personal and that individual focus and intuition are more effective than collective effort in this dangerous environment.4. Question 4
Analyze the protagonist’s feelings and thoughts during the Threshing event. What do these reveal about her mindset and her understanding of her chances?
Answer:
The protagonist feels a mixture of fear, self-doubt, and resignation during the Threshing event. She admits to feeling disconnected from the dragons and questions her potential to bond with one, fearing she might be destined never to become a rider. Her thoughts reveal a sense of vulnerability and a struggle with confidence, as she contemplates her repeated failures and the possibility that her efforts may be futile. Despite her fears, she also demonstrates determination to survive and a desire to feel that elusive connection. Her internal dialogue underscores the emotional weight of the event and highlights her inner conflict—hope versus despair—making her relatable and emphasizing the high stakes of the process.5. Question 5
What themes of risk, fate, and personal connection are woven throughout the chapter, and how do they shape the narrative of Threshing?
Answer:
The chapter explores themes of risk and fate through the intense and unpredictable process of Threshing, emphasizing that survival hinges on instinct, luck, and inner feeling. The cadets face life-or-death choices, symbolized by the dragons’ selection process, which is beyond their control yet deeply personal. The narrative underscores that meaningful connection with a dragon is rooted in emotional attunement, not just physical proximity or knowledge. This intertwining of risk, fate, and personal connection creates a tense, almost ritualistic atmosphere, reinforcing that becoming a rider involves navigating danger while trusting oneself. These themes collectively depict Threshing as a transformative yet perilous journey that tests inner strength, intuition, and resilience.
Quotes
1. “There is nothing quite as humbling, or as awe-inspiring, as witnessing Threshing…for those who live through it anyway.”
This opening quote sets the tone for the chapter, emphasizing the profound and humbling experience of Threshing, a pivotal event that tests the cadets’ courage and resilience. It encapsulates the chapter’s focus on the intensity and significance of this rite of passage.
2. “If a dragon has already selected you, they’ll be calling. So pay attention to not just your surroundings but your feelings, and go with them.”
This quote highlights the importance of intuition and self-awareness in the bonding process between cadet and dragon, which is central to the chapter’s exploration of connection, choice, and fate during Threshing.
3. “You’re better off on your own.”
Professor Kaori’s assertion underscores the chapter’s key insight that individual effort and independence are statistically more effective than group strategies in the dangerous process of bonding with a dragon, emphasizing themes of self-reliance.
4. “What if I’m one of the cadets who’s destined to never become a rider? One who’s thrown back time and again to restart first year until eventually something puts me on the death roll? Has this all been for nothing?”
This introspective question reveals the protagonist’s deepest fears and doubts about her worthiness and the possibility of failure, serving as a critical emotional turning point in her internal journey.
5. “My stomach sinks. What if I’m one of the cadets who’s destined to never become a rider? One who’s thrown back time and again to restart first year until eventually something puts me on the death roll? Has this all been for nothing?”
This quote encapsulates the overarching tension of the chapter—the uncertainty and peril inherent in Threshing—highlighting the stakes and the emotional weight carried by the cadets as they face their destiny.