Prince of Thorns
Chapter 42
by Mark, Lawrence,Prince Jorg returns to his father’s castle, confronting the same jailer who once tried to stop him years earlier. He intimidates the man with threats and violence, recalling his past escape with a band of outlaws. This time, Jorg seeks only Sir Makin, a knight imprisoned in the dungeon. The jailer, recognizing Jorg’s ruthlessness, reluctantly lets him pass, but Jorg still assaults him for good measure. As he moves deeper into the dungeon, Jorg reflects on the absence of his sword, a symbol of his identity and power, gifted to him by Makin during their first encounter.
Jorg navigates the grim torture chamber, finding Makin in a deplorable state—beaten, filthy, and barely recognizable. Makin initially believes Jorg is dead, as he witnessed the prince’s apparent demise at the hands of his father. Jorg, however, dismisses this, insisting he’ll die only on his own terms. Their reunion is fraught with tension, as Makin struggles to stand and Jorg grapples with whether to abandon him. The prince coldly considers leaving Makin behind, rationalizing that his broken state would only slow him down on his mission to the Count’s castle.
A pivotal moment arises when Makin reveals that Lundist, Jorg’s former tutor, was executed by the king for failing to protect him. This news stirs conflicting emotions in Jorg, who wavers between his ruthless pragmatism and lingering loyalty. Makin’s resilience and refusal to beg earn Jorg’s reluctant admiration, but the prince still contemplates killing him to tie up loose ends. The internal struggle highlights Jorg’s duality—the ruthless strategist molded by his father and the remnants of his younger, more vulnerable self.
The chapter concludes with Makin seizing an opportunity to overpower Jorg, knocking him unconscious. This abrupt reversal underscores the unpredictability of their relationship and Jorg’s vulnerability despite his arrogance. The final shift to Brother Sim, a shapeshifting ally, hints at the broader themes of identity and deception that permeate the narrative. Sim’s unassuming nature masks his lethal potential, mirroring Jorg’s own complexities and the ever-present danger in their world.
FAQs
1. How does Jorg’s interaction with the jailer reveal his character development since his childhood?
Answer:
The encounter with the jailer highlights Jorg’s transformation from a helpless boy to a ruthless prince. As a child, he needed Lundist’s escort to leave the dungeon, but now he asserts dominance through violence and intimidation. His recollection of their past meeting (“You’re the same old wart-bag that tried to stop me last time!”) shows his sharp memory for slights, while his physical retaliation (hitting the jailer twice) demonstrates his preference for brutal efficiency over negotiation. However, his decision to spare the jailer—despite considering killing him—reveals a calculated pragmatism, as he views ineffective enemies as “good insurance” if left alive.2. Analyze the significance of Jorg’s internal conflict regarding Sir Makin. What does this reveal about his loyalty and self-perception?
Answer:
Jorg’s hesitation over whether to rescue or kill Makin exposes his struggle between cold pragmatism and latent loyalty. While his “dry voice” (possibly influenced by Corion) urges him to abandon Makin as a strategic sacrifice, his emotional reactions—a “hurt in the back of his throat” and anger—betray genuine care. His reference to Makin as “brother” and admiration for Makin’s refusal to plead reveal a respect that complicates his ruthless persona. Ultimately, Jorg’s indecision reflects his dual nature: the calculating prince molded by his father and Corion versus the younger self who formed bonds with his companions. This tension culminates in Makin overpowering him, symbolizing how Jorg’s vulnerabilities persist beneath his hardened exterior.3. How does the revelation about Lundist’s fate contribute to the themes of power and expendability in the chapter?
Answer:
The truth about Lundist’s execution underscores the novel’s theme of power’s cruelty and the disposability of individuals in political games. Jorg initially believes he abandoned Lundist to die, compounding his guilt, but Makin clarifies that King Olidan had Lundist killed for being “no use anymore.” This mirrors Olidan’s treatment of Jorg (attempting to kill him) and foreshadows Jorg’s own temptation to discard Makin. The revelation critiques feudal systems where loyalty is one-sided—subjects like Lundist and Makin are valued only as tools. Jorg’s momentary shock (“Lundist is alive?”) suggests his capacity for attachment, contrasting his father’s utter ruthlessness.4. What symbolic role does Jorg’s missing sword play in this chapter?
Answer:
The absent sword represents Jorg’s fractured identity and preparedness. His constant awareness of its weightlessness—like “a tongue returning to an empty socket”—metaphorically connects to his psychological wounds and the “loss” of his former self. The sword, gifted by Makin and made of “Builder-steel,” symbolizes heritage and trust; its absence leaves Jorg feeling vulnerable (“half-dressed”). This physical lack parallels his moral uncertainty in the dungeon, where he wields Katherine’s knife (a smaller, less honorable weapon) while debating whether to betray Makin. The sword’s history as a “family blade” also contrasts with Jorg’s rejection of his father’s values, highlighting his conflicted legacy.5. Evaluate the chapter’s closing reflection on Brother Sim. How does it contrast with Jorg’s earlier actions?
Answer:
The passage about Sim’s chameleon-like ability to blend in (“forgettable” yet “most dangerous”) contrasts sharply with Jorg’s confrontational style. While Jorg relies on intimidation and violence, Sim embodies subtlety—a theme reinforced by Shakespeare’s “clothes maketh the man” reference. This juxtaposition critiques Jorg’s brute-force methods: Sim achieves lethality through deception, whereas Jorg’s overt aggression nearly costs him Makin’s loyalty. The aside also foreshadows future plot dynamics, suggesting Sim’s potential to outmaneuver others. Jorg’s admiration (“most dangerous of my brothers”) hints at his awareness of his own limitations, subtly questioning whether adaptability trumps raw power.
Quotes
1. “Prince Jorg at your service, or rather you at mine. Last time I walked out of here with a band of outlaws. This time I just need one knight, if you please. Sir Makin of Trent.”
This quote showcases Jorg’s commanding presence and dark humor as he reasserts his authority over the jailer. It highlights his transformation from a boy who escaped with outlaws to a prince demanding what he wants, revealing his growing ruthlessness and leadership.
2. “I’ll die when I’m ready.”
A defiant statement that encapsulates Jorg’s fierce will to survive and his rejection of fate’s control over him. This quote represents his core philosophy of self-determination, even in the face of death and betrayal.
3. “Play the game. Sacrifice knight, take castle. That old dry voice again. I’d listened to it so long I couldn’t tell if it were mine or Corion’s.”
This internal monologue reveals Jorg’s strategic yet morally ambiguous mindset, torn between pragmatism and loyalty. It illustrates the psychological conflict between his ruthless training and emerging humanity.
4. “I’m my father’s son, Makin.”
A pivotal moment where Jorg acknowledges his inherited cruelty while simultaneously wrestling with it. This quote marks a key tension point in the chapter as Jorg confronts whether to embrace or reject his father’s merciless example.
5. “Sometimes I think of all my brothers it’s Sim that’s the most dangerous.”
This closing reflection on Brother Sim’s deceptive nature serves as a metaphor for the chapter’s themes of hidden threats and unexpected strengths. It suggests that true danger often comes from underestimated sources, mirroring Jorg’s own unpredictable nature.