Fourth Wing
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
by Yarros, RebeccaThe chapter opens with a somber reflection on the fate of 107 innocents, the children of executed officers, who now bear the “rebellion relic” and are to be conscripted into the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath. This act demonstrates the harsh realities of loyalty and punishment in the kingdom, where mercy is intertwined with brutality. The scene underscores the brutal justice system and the heavy burden carried by those in power, exemplified by the dragon’s role in transferring guilt and responsibility. It sets a tone of sacrifice and the moral complexities faced by characters caught between duty and compassion.
The narrative then shifts to a tense and daring scene on Conscription Day, where the protagonist walks the parapet in a dress, risking her life to reach Xaden. The act symbolizes her desire to connect with him despite the danger, highlighting her reckless determination. The scene vividly captures her internal conflict—fear, love, and defiance—while emphasizing the peril of her actions. Her willingness to risk death underscores her emotional vulnerability and the depth of her feelings for Xaden, who is depicted as a solitary figure burdened by grief and responsibility.
As the protagonist approaches Xaden, their interaction becomes charged with raw emotion. Xaden’s surprise at her presence, combined with his protective instincts, sparks a tense yet intimate confrontation. Their exchange reveals their mutual understanding and the unspoken tension between them. Despite the danger and his command to turn back, they are drawn to each other, exposing their vulnerabilities and the intensity of their connection. This moment signifies a breaking point in their emotional barriers, setting the stage for a deeper relationship despite external threats.
In the concluding moments, the protagonist boldly declares her love for Xaden, confronting their fears and the obstacles that stand in their way. She challenges his doubts about a future together, asserting her desire for closeness and honesty. Their dialogue reflects a complex mix of love, defiance, and mutual understanding, illustrating their emotional sparring and the risk they are willing to take for each other. The chapter ends with a powerful acknowledgment of their feelings, emphasizing that their connection transcends logic and danger, driven by the reckless heart that refuses to be subdued.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What is the significance of the “rebellion relic” mentioned in the chapter, and how does its transfer impact the children of the executed officers?
Answer:
The “rebellion relic” symbolizes the burden and the legacy of the rebellion carried by the children of the executed officers. Its transfer by the dragon signifies a tangible connection to the rebellion’s history and the consequences faced by those associated with the fallen officers. The chapter indicates that these children, now bearing the relic, are to be conscripted into the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath, either to prove their loyalty through service or face death. This highlights themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the harsh realities of political and military loyalty in the story’s setting.2. Question 2
Describe the emotional and physical risks the protagonist takes by walking the parapet in her dress uniform. How does this act reflect her character and motivations?
Answer:
Walking the parapet barefoot in a dress uniform in the dark is both a physical risk—danger of falling—and an emotional act of daring and vulnerability. The protagonist’s decision to do so demonstrates her reckless courage, her desire to reach Xaden, and her willingness to defy conventions or safety for a chance at connection. It reflects her inner strength, determination, and the depth of her feelings, especially as she admits to being in love with him. Her actions reveal her fearless nature and her readiness to confront danger for what she desires, emphasizing her emotional resolve.3. Question 3
Analyze the significance of the protagonist’s feelings for Xaden and how they influence her actions during the scene on the parapet.
Answer:
The protagonist’s love for Xaden is a central motivator in her risky behavior. Her decision to cross the parapet, despite the danger, underscores her emotional vulnerability and her desire to be close to him regardless of the risk to her life. Her feelings override her caution, suggesting that her love is reckless but genuine, fueling her willingness to confront danger. This emotional intensity also adds depth to her character, illustrating her capacity for passion and her readiness to seize fleeting moments with someone she cares deeply about, even if it means risking everything.4. Question 4
What does the interaction between the protagonist and Xaden reveal about their relationship dynamics and the emotional sparring they have been engaged in?
Answer:
Their interaction reveals a relationship characterized by emotional tension, mutual vulnerability, and unspoken desire. Xaden’s initial reaction—shouting for her to turn around—indicates concern and a protective instinct, while the protagonist’s boldness and honesty about her feelings show her willingness to challenge boundaries. Their exchange demonstrates a complex mix of trust, restraint, and longing, with both characters testing each other’s limits. Their “sparring” is both emotional and intellectual, reflecting deep connection but also hesitation and fear of rejection, which makes their moments together charged and meaningful.5. Question 5
How does the chapter explore themes of love, risk, and vulnerability, and what can readers infer about the protagonist’s view on these concepts?
Answer:
The chapter vividly explores love as a powerful, reckless force that compels the protagonist to take extreme risks, such as walking the parapet in her dress. Her willingness to expose herself emotionally and physically shows that she values love and connection above safety and societal expectations. The act of crossing the parapet symbolizes her embracing vulnerability and her desire to seize fleeting moments, even if they might lead to danger or heartbreak. Readers can infer that the protagonist sees love as something worth risking everything for, and that vulnerability is an essential part of genuine emotional connection—a view that emphasizes courage and authenticity in the face of peril.
Quotes
1. “Walking the parapet in a dress uniform, barefoot, in the dark? Now this is madness.”
This opening line captures the reckless bravery and emotional stakes of the protagonist as she risks everything to reach Xaden, setting the tone for the chapter’s themes of daring love and vulnerability.
2. “I’m in love with Xaden.”
A powerful, straightforward admission that marks a pivotal moment of honesty and emotional breakthrough for the narrator, revealing the depth of her feelings despite the risks and obstacles.
3. “There’s more than one way to fall. That ache in my chest burns brighter than the power coursing through my veins.”
This quote encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of love’s perilous nature—both literal and emotional—and how vulnerability can feel as intense as physical danger.
4. “I finally trust him enough to know he won’t go for the kill.”
This line signifies a moment of emotional intimacy and trust between the characters, highlighting the chapter’s focus on opening oneself up despite fears of rejection or harm.
5. “Everyone across the ravine is celebrating his father’s death, and he’s out here mourning it alone. When Brennan died, I had Mira and Dad, but Xaden’s had no one.”
This poignant reflection underscores themes of loneliness and responsibility, emphasizing Xaden’s burden and the narrator’s recognition of his inner pain, adding depth to their connection.