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    Fourth Wing

    by Yarros, Rebecca
    Fourth Wing, by Rebecca Yarros, is a high fantasy romance novel that follows Violet Sorrengail, the daughter of a powerful general, who is unexpectedly forced to join the brutal Basgiath War College to train as a dragon rider. Amid deadly trials and political intrigue, Violet navigates danger, her own limitations, and emerging romance, as she fights to prove her strength and uncover her true destiny within a perilous world of dragons and war.
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    Fourth Wing

    CHAPTER TWELVE

    by Yarros, Rebecca

    The chap­ter opens with a vivid depic­tion of Pre­sen­ta­tion Day, empha­siz­ing its sig­nif­i­cance and the tense atmos­phere as cadets pre­pare to bond with their drag­ons. The nar­ra­tor reflects on the com­pet­i­tive and unpre­dictable nature of this event, where each squad’s place­ment sparks both pride and anx­i­ety. The day’s events are marked by a sense of antic­i­pa­tion, with cadets nav­i­gat­ing the intim­i­dat­ing pres­ence of drag­ons, who serve as judges of strength and poten­tial. The envi­ron­ment is described as both awe-inspir­ing and per­ilous, high­light­ing the high stakes involved in forg­ing bonds with these pow­er­ful crea­tures.

    As the nar­ra­tive pro­gress­es, the focus shifts to the squad’s per­for­mance in the Gaunt­let, where they rank eleventh out of thir­ty-six, despite the penal­ties. The narrator’s per­son­al feel­ings of ner­vous­ness and relief are pal­pa­ble, espe­cial­ly when observ­ing Liam Mairi’s swift suc­cess. The scenic set­ting of the train­ing field, with its autumn-col­ored mead­ows and tow­er­ing peaks, con­trasts with the ten­sion of the upcom­ing bond­ings. The majes­tic drag­ons, tow­er­ing and lined up along the path, sym­bol­ize both the chal­lenge and the awe of the bond­ing process, under­scor­ing the chapter’s theme of con­fronting fear and embrac­ing the unknown.

    The sto­ry then moves into the squad’s prepa­ra­tion for the next phase, where Gar­rick, the squad leader, pro­vides strict instruc­tions for approach­ing the drag­ons. His author­i­ta­tive tone under­scores the seri­ous­ness of the task, warn­ing cadets to main­tain dis­tance and adhere to safe­ty pro­to­cols. The dia­logue reveals some of the squad mem­bers’ con­cerns and curios­i­ty, espe­cial­ly regard­ing a mys­te­ri­ous “feath­er­tail,” which sparks spec­u­la­tion and adds an ele­ment of unpre­dictabil­i­ty. Garrick’s empha­sis on dis­ci­pline and focus high­lights the impor­tance of fol­low­ing orders in a high-stakes envi­ron­ment where mis­steps could be dead­ly.

    In the final sec­tion, the cadets line up to approach the drag­ons, break­ing away from the crowd. The scene is charged with antic­i­pa­tion as the cadets pre­pare to demon­strate their com­po­sure and readi­ness. The senior wingleader’s instruc­tions about engag­ing with the drag­ons through chat­ter reflect the impor­tance of per­son­al­i­ty and rap­port in the bond­ing process. The chap­ter con­cludes with a sense of cama­raderie and ner­vous excite­ment, as each cadet read­ies them­selves to face the drag­ons, know­ing that their actions now will deter­mine their future bonds and sur­vival in this dan­ger­ous but vital rit­u­al.

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    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      What is the significance of the Presentation Day in the context of the cadets’ training, and what are some of the key behaviors or precautions highlighted in the chapter?
      Answer:
      Presentation Day is a crucial event in the cadets’ training as it serves as a public display of their readiness to bond with dragons, which is essential for their progression. The chapter emphasizes the tense atmosphere, with cadets walking through a line of judgmental dragons, highlighting the importance of composure and proper behavior. Key precautions include maintaining at least seven feet apart to avoid attracting the dragons’ ire, and the warning that approaching or showing trepidation toward dragons can result in severe consequences, such as being burned or not returning. Garrick’s instructions reinforce that the cadets should not attempt to approach the dragons directly, as doing so risks failure or injury.

      2. Question 2

      How does the chapter depict the relationship between the cadets and the dragons during the training exercise, and what does this suggest about the nature of their bond?
      Answer:
      The chapter depicts the relationship as tense and cautious, with dragons lined up and observing the cadets closely, suggesting a relationship built on judgment and potential challenge. The dragons are described as formidable, averaging twenty-five feet tall and capable of passing judgment on the cadets as they walk by. The warning from Garrick that approaching a dragon can lead to being burned indicates that trust and respect are critical components of their bond. The mention that “bonded cadets” tend to chatter more also implies that communication and rapport are essential for a successful bond. Overall, the relationship appears to be one of mutual assessment, trust, and the need for careful interaction.

      3. Question 3

      In what ways does the chapter highlight the leadership styles of Garrick and Xaden, and what might this imply about their characters?
      Answer:
      Garrick’s leadership style is described as more mission-focused and no-nonsense, emphasizing discipline and following instructions, such as maintaining distance from dragons and walking in a single file. His tone is authoritative, and he appears to prioritize safety and order, indicating a pragmatic and possibly strict personality. In contrast, the chapter hints that Xaden might have a different approach, possibly more relaxed or strategic, given Garrick’s emphasis on discipline. Garrick’s connection to Xaden suggests he values loyalty and competence, and his attitude reflects a serious, mission-driven mindset. This contrast implies that Garrick is a disciplined leader who values structure, while Xaden might embody a more nuanced or flexible leadership style.

      4. Question 4

      What does the chapter reveal about the importance of communication among cadets during the training exercise, and how is this connected to the dragons’ perception?
      Answer:
      The chapter emphasizes that talking and engaging with squadmates during the walk helps the dragons get a sense of who the cadets are and how well they work together. Garrick explicitly states that chatter is correlated with the level of bonding potential, implying that communication demonstrates confidence, camaraderie, and social cohesion. This suggests that dragons are perceptive and can gauge a cadet’s personality and suitability for bonding based on their behavior and interactions. The instruction to talk to each other underscores the importance of teamwork and personality as factors in establishing a successful bond with a dragon.

      5. Question 5

      Based on the chapter, how does the atmosphere of the training field and the environment contribute to the overall tone and mood of the scene?
      Answer:
      The environment described—an expansive canyon with autumn-colored meadows, peaks, and a waterfall—creates a vivid, almost serene yet tense backdrop. The mention of the wind, the golden leaves, and the distant dragons adds a sense of grandeur and anticipation. The atmosphere is tinged with a mix of awe, nervousness, and seriousness, reinforced by the chapter’s focus on the potential danger from dragons and the importance of following orders. The setting amplifies the mood of high stakes and the awe-inspiring nature of the training, emphasizing both the beauty and danger inherent in the process. This duality heightens the reader’s sense of suspense and respect for the dragons and the cadets’ journey.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Presentation Day is unlike any other. The air is ripe with possibilities, and possibly the stench of sulfur from a dragon who has been offended. Never look a red in the eye. Never back down from a green. If you show trepidation to a brown…well, just don’t.”

      This quote encapsulates the tense and unpredictable nature of the dragon bonding process, highlighting the importance of awareness and composure when facing dragons during the presentation—a key theme setting the tone for the chapter.

      2. “Garrick’s hazel eyes skim over us. ‘Hopefully Aetos has done his job, so you know that it’s a straight walk down the meadow. I’d recommend staying at least seven feet apart—’”

      This passage underscores the cautious approach and the inherent danger of approaching dragons, emphasizing the necessity of discipline and strategic distance in the bonding ritual, which is central to the chapter’s depiction of training and trust.

      3. “They’re all yours,” Garrick says to the quadrant’s senior wingleader, a woman I’ve seen a few times in Battle Brief murmuring to Xaden. Her uniform still has her signature spikes on the shoulders, but this time they’re gold and look sharp as hell—like she wanted to throw in a little extra badass today.”

      This moment introduces the authority and preparedness of the experienced dragon handlers, symbolizing the seriousness and professionalism that underpin the entire process of bonding, and hinting at the importance of leadership in this high-stakes environment.

      4. “Feel free to look at the dragons, especially if they’re showing off their tails.”

      This directive highlights the strategic importance of observation in the bonding process, suggesting that reading the dragons’ signals and behaviors is crucial for understanding their mood and intentions, a vital concept in the chapter’s portrayal of the bond formation.

    Quotes

    1. “Presentation Day is unlike any other. The air is ripe with possibilities, and possibly the stench of sulfur from a dragon who has been offended. Never look a red in the eye. Never back down from a green. If you show trepidation to a brown…well, just don’t.”

    This quote encapsulates the tense and unpredictable nature of the dragon bonding process, highlighting the importance of awareness and composure when facing dragons during the presentation—a key theme setting the tone for the chapter.

    2. “Garrick’s hazel eyes skim over us. ‘Hopefully Aetos has done his job, so you know that it’s a straight walk down the meadow. I’d recommend staying at least seven feet apart—’”

    This passage underscores the cautious approach and the inherent danger of approaching dragons, emphasizing the necessity of discipline and strategic distance in the bonding ritual, which is central to the chapter’s depiction of training and trust.

    3. “They’re all yours,” Garrick says to the quadrant’s senior wingleader, a woman I’ve seen a few times in Battle Brief murmuring to Xaden. Her uniform still has her signature spikes on the shoulders, but this time they’re gold and look sharp as hell—like she wanted to throw in a little extra badass today.”

    This moment introduces the authority and preparedness of the experienced dragon handlers, symbolizing the seriousness and professionalism that underpin the entire process of bonding, and hinting at the importance of leadership in this high-stakes environment.

    4. “Feel free to look at the dragons, especially if they’re showing off their tails.”

    This directive highlights the strategic importance of observation in the bonding process, suggesting that reading the dragons’ signals and behaviors is crucial for understanding their mood and intentions, a vital concept in the chapter’s portrayal of the bond formation.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    What is the significance of the Presentation Day in the context of the cadets’ training, and what are some of the key behaviors or precautions highlighted in the chapter?
    Answer:
    Presentation Day is a crucial event in the cadets’ training as it serves as a public display of their readiness to bond with dragons, which is essential for their progression. The chapter emphasizes the tense atmosphere, with cadets walking through a line of judgmental dragons, highlighting the importance of composure and proper behavior. Key precautions include maintaining at least seven feet apart to avoid attracting the dragons’ ire, and the warning that approaching or showing trepidation toward dragons can result in severe consequences, such as being burned or not returning. Garrick’s instructions reinforce that the cadets should not attempt to approach the dragons directly, as doing so risks failure or injury.

    2. Question 2

    How does the chapter depict the relationship between the cadets and the dragons during the training exercise, and what does this suggest about the nature of their bond?
    Answer:
    The chapter depicts the relationship as tense and cautious, with dragons lined up and observing the cadets closely, suggesting a relationship built on judgment and potential challenge. The dragons are described as formidable, averaging twenty-five feet tall and capable of passing judgment on the cadets as they walk by. The warning from Garrick that approaching a dragon can lead to being burned indicates that trust and respect are critical components of their bond. The mention that “bonded cadets” tend to chatter more also implies that communication and rapport are essential for a successful bond. Overall, the relationship appears to be one of mutual assessment, trust, and the need for careful interaction.

    3. Question 3

    In what ways does the chapter highlight the leadership styles of Garrick and Xaden, and what might this imply about their characters?
    Answer:
    Garrick’s leadership style is described as more mission-focused and no-nonsense, emphasizing discipline and following instructions, such as maintaining distance from dragons and walking in a single file. His tone is authoritative, and he appears to prioritize safety and order, indicating a pragmatic and possibly strict personality. In contrast, the chapter hints that Xaden might have a different approach, possibly more relaxed or strategic, given Garrick’s emphasis on discipline. Garrick’s connection to Xaden suggests he values loyalty and competence, and his attitude reflects a serious, mission-driven mindset. This contrast implies that Garrick is a disciplined leader who values structure, while Xaden might embody a more nuanced or flexible leadership style.

    4. Question 4

    What does the chapter reveal about the importance of communication among cadets during the training exercise, and how is this connected to the dragons’ perception?
    Answer:
    The chapter emphasizes that talking and engaging with squadmates during the walk helps the dragons get a sense of who the cadets are and how well they work together. Garrick explicitly states that chatter is correlated with the level of bonding potential, implying that communication demonstrates confidence, camaraderie, and social cohesion. This suggests that dragons are perceptive and can gauge a cadet’s personality and suitability for bonding based on their behavior and interactions. The instruction to talk to each other underscores the importance of teamwork and personality as factors in establishing a successful bond with a dragon.

    5. Question 5

    Based on the chapter, how does the atmosphere of the training field and the environment contribute to the overall tone and mood of the scene?
    Answer:
    The environment described—an expansive canyon with autumn-colored meadows, peaks, and a waterfall—creates a vivid, almost serene yet tense backdrop. The mention of the wind, the golden leaves, and the distant dragons adds a sense of grandeur and anticipation. The atmosphere is tinged with a mix of awe, nervousness, and seriousness, reinforced by the chapter’s focus on the potential danger from dragons and the importance of following orders. The setting amplifies the mood of high stakes and the awe-inspiring nature of the training, emphasizing both the beauty and danger inherent in the process. This duality heightens the reader’s sense of suspense and respect for the dragons and the cadets’ journey.

    Note