The Assassin and the Desert: A Throne of Glass Novella
Chapter Seven
by Maas, Sarah J.In Chapter Seven, Celaena and Ansel face the repercussions of their reckless horse theft involving the Asterion mares. Upon returning to the fortress, they discover Mikhail and other assassins awaiting them, indicating that news of their stunt has already reached the Master. Recognizing the gravity of their actions, Celaena and Ansel kneel in submission, aware that their chances of receiving training are now diminished. The chapter emphasizes the tense atmosphere and Celaena’s growing awareness of the consequences her impulsiveness has brought, setting a tone of impending discipline and the importance of obedience within their environment.
The chapter vividly depicts the Master’s formidable presence, as he assesses the girls with disapproval. Celaena, recalling her past abuse at the hands of Arobynn and the fierce words of Sam, feels a surge of adrenaline and dread. The Master’s silent scrutiny and gentle, yet commanding, gestures reveal a complex dynamic of authority and unspoken expectations. Celaena’s attempt to explain her actions is met with a measured response, hinting that her honesty may earn her some leniency, but the underlying tension remains palpable. Ansel’s willingness to accept a minor punishment underscores her desire to learn and her purpose within the assassin’s world.
As the chapter progresses, the girls are assigned to stable duty, a task that keeps them busy from morning until noon. This laborious chore provides a temporary respite from the tension of their previous misstep, yet it also fuels Celaena’s anxiety about what the future holds. The narrative underscores the grueling routine of their training and responsibilities, highlighting their physical and emotional endurance. Despite her eagerness to leave the stables, Celaena’s anticipation grows as she awaits her first lesson with the Master, symbolizing her hope for redemption and acceptance.
In the concluding part, Celaena ascends to the fortress roof, where she finds the Master gazing across the desert. Her visit to this elevated vantage point signifies a moment of reflection and potential transformation. The chapter ends with a sense of anticipation, as Celaena prepares for her upcoming lesson and the challenges it may bring. The scene underscores her resilience and determination to prove herself, hinting at the pivotal role that her training and inner strength will play in her journey ahead.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What does Celaena’s internal reaction to the Master’s approach reveal about her state of mind and her understanding of her situation?
Answer:
Celaena’s internal reaction—feeling her face burn and bracing herself for a possible strike—indicates her awareness of the danger and her vulnerability in the situation. Her silent expectation of punishment reflects her previous experiences with violence and her cautious, guarded mindset. Despite her hope that the Master might show leniency, she remains tense, illustrating her uncertainty and the emotional toll of her circumstances. Her attempt to apologize and her careful observation of his expression show her desire to avoid conflict and her recognition that her survival depends on reading his mood accurately. Overall, her reaction underscores her internal conflict: she wants to prove herself but is acutely aware of the risks involved in her actions.2. Question 2
How does Ansel’s attitude toward their punishment and her suggestion about stable duty reflect her personality and her relationship with Celaena?
Answer:
Ansel’s calm acceptance of their punishment and her proactive suggestion to do stable duty demonstrate her pragmatic and cooperative nature. She seems to accept the consequences without overt resentment, showing resilience and a willingness to make the best of the situation. Her suggestion also indicates her protective attitude toward Celaena, wanting to keep her safe and perhaps keep her close by, as she mentions Celaena leaving afterward. Their interaction reveals a bond of camaraderie and mutual support; Ansel’s willingness to take responsibility and her attempt to negotiate additional responsibilities highlight her resourcefulness and her desire to contribute meaningfully, which also hints at her deeper motivation to find purpose and meaning within their circumstances.3. Question 3
What significance does the Master’s decision to assign Celaena to report for her first lesson at sunset hold in terms of character development and plot progression?
Answer:
The decision to schedule Celaena’s first lesson at sunset signifies a pivotal moment in her development—she is beginning to earn the Master’s recognition and trust, which is crucial for her growth. It marks a transition from her previous status as a prisoner or outsider to someone who is being introduced to the skills and responsibilities of her role as an assassin. This moment also advances the plot by setting up her training and future challenges. Symbolically, the timing at sunset might represent a new beginning or a turning point, emphasizing that Celaena’s journey toward mastery and self-empowerment is starting. Her relief and genuine smile suggest a glimmer of hope and acceptance of her new path, adding emotional depth to her character arc.4. Question 4
Analyze the significance of Celaena’s thoughts about the letter and her feelings of having “proven herself” to the Master. How does this internal conflict shape her motivations?
Answer:
Celaena’s reflection that she has “proven herself” to the Master reveals her underlying desire for acceptance and validation in a harsh environment where she has faced rejection and violence. Her focus on the letter suggests she has a specific goal or hope tied to her future, and her success in earning the Master’s approval provides her with a sense of progress and purpose. This internal conflict—between her hope for a better future and her current struggles—drives her motivation to succeed in her training and to prove her worth. It also highlights her resilience and determination, traits essential for her survival and growth. Her internal battle fuels her ambition, shaping her actions and decisions in pursuit of her ultimate goal.5. Question 5
What does the scene on the roof, where Celaena finds the Master gazing over the desert, symbolize in terms of her journey and the overarching themes of the chapter?
Answer:
The scene on the roof symbolizes a moment of reflection and possibly a turning point in Celaena’s journey. Standing high above the fortress and gazing over the desert, the Master appears contemplative, which may mirror Celaena’s own internal state—looking outward toward her future and the challenges ahead. This elevated vantage point can represent a broader perspective, hinting at her upcoming growth and the vastness of her potential. The open sky and desert evoke themes of solitude, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom or purpose. This quiet, contemplative moment underscores her transition from a reactive participant to someone actively shaping her destiny, emphasizing the chapter’s themes of hope, transformation, and the arduous path toward mastery and self-discovery.
Quotes
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1. “Her face burned. He hadn’t been about to hit her. He’d wanted her to look at him, to tell him her side of the story.”
This quote highlights the Master’s nuanced approach to discipline—using psychological pressure rather than physical violence to gauge and manipulate their responses. It reflects the complex power dynamics at play and Celaena’s awareness of subtle forms of control.
2. “Whatever he saw on Ansel’s face suddenly made him nod. Ansel quickly bowed her head. ‘Before you decide on a punishment … Since we like horses so much, maybe we could … be on stable duty? For the morning shift. Until Celaena leaves.’”
This moment signifies a moment of leniency and strategic negotiation, showing how the characters attempt to mitigate consequences through humility and understanding, hinting at their resilience and adaptability.
3. “You’re to report to him at sunset tomorrow. For your first lesson.”
This directive marks a pivotal turning point in Celaena’s journey, indicating her first formal step into the Master’s training—which symbolizes her acceptance of her new role and the beginning of her transformation.
4. “It turned out that they weren’t just responsible for shoveling horse dung. Oh, no—they were responsible for cleaning the pens of all the four-legged livestock in the fortress, a task that took them from breakfast until noon.”
This quote underscores the harsh realities and physical demands of their environment, emphasizing the gritty, unglamorous aspects of their lives and the resilience required to endure them.
5. “The Master stood by the parapet, gazing across the desert.”
This closing image signifies a moment of reflection and distance, illustrating the Master’s contemplative nature and the broader scope of his influence—setting the tone for the chapter’s culmination and the unfolding of future plans.