The Assassin and the Pirate Lord
Chapter Five
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with a tense scene as Celaena and Sam are taken to a large, ominous holding facility by Rolfe, with Sam displaying a quiet resignation and Celaena instinctively sensing danger. Inside, the warehouse is filled with the stench of unwashed bodies and the sight of countless prisoners from various lands, including women and children, all crammed into small cells. Celaena’s sharp instincts and her awareness of the slave trade’s brutality highlight her internal conflict and her growing outrage at the systemic cruelty inflicted upon these captives, especially the children, whose vulnerability she cannot ignore.
As they move through the facility, Celaena observes the prisoners’ suffering and the dehumanizing conditions they endure. Rolfe’s casual attitude toward their plight, coupled with his detailed knowledge of the slave trade, reveals the extent of the exploitation and corruption fueling the system. The land of Eyllwe, despite its resistance and history of rebellion, now suffers under Adarlan’s oppressive control, which profits from the slave trade and the exploitation of its resources and people. Celaena’s empathy deepens as she recognizes the widespread injustice and the brutality inflicted upon her homeland’s people.
The chapter also exposes the brutal realities of the slave trade, with Rolfe describing how prisoners, including children, are auctioned off to the highest bidder—whether for labor, domestic service, or even more sinister purposes like prostitution. The mention of slaves being sold to the Salt Mines of Endovier underscores how deeply intertwined slavery is with Adarlan’s economy. Celaena’s confrontation with Rolfe about the fate of the children reveals her moral outrage, especially when she learns they are at risk of being sold into brothels or forced labor, igniting her resolve to oppose these atrocities.
The emotional core of the chapter lies in the personal histories of the characters, particularly Sam’s, whose mother was sold into a brothel. His visceral reaction to the mention of children being sold into such environments underscores the deep scars left by the slave trade. Celaena’s determination to prevent such suffering from continuing, combined with her understanding of the political and economic forces at play, drives her to confront the corrupt system. The chapter ends with her resolve to act, recognizing that mere opposition is insufficient—she must find a way to dismantle the oppressive trade and bring justice to those suffering under Adarlan’s rule.
FAQs
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1. Question 1
What are the conditions and atmosphere inside the holding facility as described in the chapter, and how do they reflect the reality of slavery depicted?
Answer:
The holding facility is described as an enormous wooden warehouse filled with the stench of unwashed bodies, crude lighting from torches and chandeliers, and packed with prisoners from various lands. The environment is oppressive and grim, with slaves cowering, clinging to bars, or clutching their children, highlighting their vulnerability and suffering. The atmosphere is tense and bleak, emphasizing the inhumane treatment and dehumanization inherent in slavery. Celaena’s instincts scream at her to escape, illustrating her moral revulsion. The scene vividly captures the brutal reality of slavery—crowded, filthy, and filled with silent despair—reflecting the chapter’s critique of this oppressive trade.2. Question 2
How does Rolfe’s description of the slave trade and the sale process reveal the economic motivations behind slavery, and what does this imply about the priorities of those involved?
Answer:
Rolfe’s explanation that slaves are divided and sold based on their usefulness, with specific destinations like Bellhaven, Calaculla, or Endovier, underscores the commodification of human lives driven by profit. He openly discusses sending slaves to the highest bidders, whether for construction or more sinister purposes like brothels, indicating that economic gain is the primary motivation. Rolfe’s mention of different markets and the potential for leftovers to be sold at the salt mines reveals a calculated, profit-oriented approach that disregards the slaves’ humanity. This portrayal implies that those involved in the trade prioritize financial benefit over the well-being or rights of the enslaved, highlighting the systemic greed and moral corruption embedded in the trade.3. Question 3
In what ways does Celaena’s reaction to the slave trade, particularly her anger and moral outrage, serve to develop her character and moral stance in the chapter?
Answer:
Celaena’s visceral anger and moral outrage upon witnessing the slave trade reveal her deep sense of justice and compassion. Her instinctual desire to act against the injustice—her hand moving toward her sword—demonstrates her fierce protectiveness and refusal to accept such cruelty. Her internal struggle with the realization that people are bought and sold like commodities underscores her moral backbone. This reaction develops her character as someone who values freedom and human dignity, setting her apart from those who profit from or condone such atrocities. It also positions her as a morally driven protagonist committed to fighting against injustice, reinforcing her core values throughout the chapter.4. Question 4
Analyze the significance of the information about the children in the slave trade as presented in the chapter. What does this detail reveal about the nature of the trade and its impact on families?
Answer:
The mention of children being kept with their mothers or potentially separated at auction highlights the cruelty and inhumanity of the slave trade. The fact that children are viewed as commodities that can be sold separately or used for specific purposes—such as scullery work or as potential victims for brothels—illustrates the complete disregard for familial bonds and innocence. This detail underscores the pervasive brutality and dehumanization involved, showing that even the most vulnerable—children—are exploited for profit. It reveals that the trade not only destroys individuals but also tears families apart, emphasizing the depth of suffering and moral corruption involved in the system.5. Question 5
Considering the chapter’s depiction of the slave trade, what are the broader implications for understanding the role of power and morality in this context?
Answer:
The chapter vividly illustrates how economic interests often override moral considerations, with figures like Rolfe openly discussing the sale of slaves and the potential use of children for immoral purposes. This highlights a systemic imbalance of power where profit and greed dominate, leading to the exploitation and suffering of vulnerable populations. Celaena’s moral outrage contrasts sharply with the corrupt and indifferent attitude of the traders, emphasizing the importance of moral integrity in the face of systemic evil. The broader implication is that true power should involve moral responsibility, and that ignoring or enabling such atrocities perpetuates injustice. The chapter invites reflection on the importance of moral courage and resistance against systemic cruelty.
Quotes
1. “Even after all these years, people still defied Adarlan’s conquest. But what right did Adarlan—or Rolfe, or anyone—have to treat them like this? Conquest wasn’t enough; no, Adarlan had to break them.”
This quote encapsulates Celaena’s core outrage at the brutality of the empire’s oppression, highlighting the theme of resistance against tyranny and the moral corruption of conquest.
2. “She fought the retort on her tongue, and just said, ‘I see. Are they a burden to sell? And how many children can we expect in our shipment?’”
This moment illustrates Celaena’s restrained anger and her recognition of the horrific realities of the slave trade, emphasizing her internal moral conflict and the human cost of the trade.
3. “Slavery was unending suffering.”
A stark, powerful statement that underscores the central horror of the chapter — the endless, systemic cruelty inflicted upon the enslaved — and serves as a moral indictment of the practices described.
4. “Rolfe’s eyes darkened a bit at that, glimmering with enough guilt that Celaena wondered if the slave trade had been a last resort for him.”
This quote provides insight into Rolfe’s character, hinting at possible moral conflict or regret behind his participation in such heinous activities, adding complexity to his role in the narrative.
5. “Death, at least, was quick. Especially when dealt by her hand. But slavery was unending suffering.”
This closing reflection emphasizes the stark contrast between violence and systemic cruelty, reinforcing the chapter’s condemnation of slavery as a prolonged and inescapable torment.