The Assassin and the Underworld

by Maas, Sarah J.

Chapter Nine

by Maas, Sarah J.

In Chapter Nine, Celaena begins her day with a sense of liberation, having paid off her debt to Arobynn and reclaimed her independence. She reflects on her recent experiences, including her time in the Red Desert, which rekindles her desire to forge her own path. Her confrontation with Arobynn is tense but ultimately empowering; she asserts her newfound freedom by presenting him with the money she earned, which she claims covers her debt and more. Despite her desire to maintain their working relationship, she firmly states that she no longer belongs to him, signaling her resolve to move forward on her own terms. Arobynn’s response is bittersweet, acknowledging her departure with a hint of regret, yet he respects her decision, which marks a pivotal shift in their dynamic.

Later, Celaena prepares for her covert mission into Doneval’s house, returning to the sewer tunnels she despises. Alongside Sam, she meticulously plans their infiltration, recognizing that the front entrance is too heavily guarded. Their strategy involves waiting for the right moment when the servants are likely to discard trash, creating an opportunity to slip inside unnoticed. The sewer setting underscores the danger and the clandestine nature of her quest, emphasizing her determination to take control of her circumstances despite the risks. Sam’s lighthearted banter contrasts with the tension of their plan, highlighting their camaraderie and shared understanding of the peril involved. Celaena’s strategic thinking and resolve are evident as she envisions the best way to outsmart her enemies.

The chapter also explores Celaena’s emotional state as she grapples with her recent victory and the lingering sense of unease. Her reflection on the money she paid Arobynn reveals her complex feelings about her newfound independence—it feels both empowering and hollow, given the circumstances. Her thoughts about her upcoming infiltration are tinged with anticipation and a desire for retribution, especially targeting Philip, whom she intends to confront. The sewer tunnels symbolize both the literal and metaphorical darkness she navigates, representing her ongoing struggle to reclaim her agency in a hostile environment. Her cautious optimism is tempered by the understanding that her journey toward true freedom is far from over.

In closing, Celaena and Sam leave the sewer, their plan set in motion. They share a quiet moment about her recent financial independence and his concern for her safety. Celaena admits that her sense of freedom is not quite what she envisioned, hinting at the emotional and physical toll her actions have taken. Their conversation underscores the fragile balance between her determination and the dangers she faces. As they walk away from the dangerous house, Celaena’s resolve remains strong, knowing that her next steps will be critical. The chapter ends with a sense of anticipation, emphasizing her readiness to confront her enemies and carve out her future, no matter the cost.

Download PDF Summary

FAQs

1. What significant change in Celaena’s relationship with Arobynn is evident by the end of this chapter, and how does it reflect her personal growth?

Answer:
By the end of the chapter, Celaena asserts her independence by paying off her debt to Arobynn and explicitly telling him she no longer belongs to him, stating, “You don’t own me anymore.” This marks a pivotal shift from her previous subservience and fear of him, especially considering their past, including his violence towards her. Her decision to settle her debt with her own money and her careful choice to keep her plans to leave private demonstrate her growing confidence and desire for autonomy. This change reflects her personal growth from a frightened, controlled assassin to a woman reclaiming her agency and making decisions on her own terms.

2. How does Celaena’s plan to infiltrate Doneval’s house demonstrate strategic thinking, and what does it reveal about her understanding of her environment?

Answer:
Celaena employs a detailed and clever plan to infiltrate Doneval’s house by exploiting the servants’ routines, specifically their trash disposal. Recognizing that the front door is too well-guarded, she considers alternative entry points, such as slipping in through the cellar by waiting for the servants to take out the trash, which they are unlikely to do at predictable times. Her plan shows her keen observational skills, understanding of human behavior, and the importance of patience and timing. It reveals her ability to adapt her approach based on environmental conditions, demonstrating strategic thinking essential for stealth and infiltration missions.

3. In what ways does Celaena’s interaction with Arobynn in this chapter highlight her internal conflict and her evolving sense of self?

Answer:
Celaena’s interaction with Arobynn is layered with tension and subtle emotional shifts. She approaches him cautiously, initially feeling sick and uncertain about giving him the money, which indicates lingering fears and doubts rooted in their past. Her declaration that she wants to keep working with him, despite asserting her independence, shows her internal conflict—she still values her skills and the work but resists being controlled. Her decision to leave quietly and her observation that the gold feels “cheap” suggest she is beginning to see her worth beyond monetary debt or Arobynn’s influence. This interaction underscores her evolving self-awareness and her struggle to forge her own identity apart from her past.

4. How does the chapter use setting—such as the sewer and the study—to enhance the narrative and develop Celaena’s character?

Answer:
The contrasting settings—the opulent, tense atmosphere of Arobynn’s study and the dark, grim sewer—serve to highlight different facets of Celaena’s world and her character. The study, with its wealth and power dynamics, underscores her past dependence and the manipulative relationship with Arobynn. In contrast, the sewer, a place of danger and concealment, symbolizes her resilience, resourcefulness, and willingness to operate in the shadows to achieve her goals. The sewer scenes also reveal her bravery and strategic mindset, as she navigates a perilous environment. These settings deepen the reader’s understanding of her complexity—caught between luxury and darkness, strength and vulnerability—shaping her journey toward independence.

5. Reflecting on Celaena’s interactions and decisions in this chapter, what themes of freedom and self-empowerment are emphasized, and how might they influence her future actions?

Answer:
Themes of freedom and self-empowerment are central in this chapter. Celaena’s act of paying off her debt signifies her literal financial independence, while her careful planning to infiltrate Doneval’s house demonstrates her desire for control and autonomy. Her declaration that she is no longer owned by Arobynn and her choice to keep her plans private show her internal shift toward asserting her independence. These themes suggest that she is beginning to take active steps to shape her future, which will likely influence her resolve in upcoming challenges. Her actions reflect a growing recognition of her own strength, setting the stage for her to pursue her goals with confidence and self-reliance.

Quotes

1. “She thought this was a good idea—until she saw the way he looked at her, and suddenly all that gold felt… cheap.”

This quote captures Celaena’s internal conflict and the realization that material wealth cannot buy her true freedom or peace. It highlights the emotional complexity of her decision to settle her debt and break free from Arobynn’s control, marking a pivotal moment of self-awareness.

2. “She’d expected to crow with glee when she gave him the money, expected to strut around the Keep. But seeing the way he’d looked at her made all that gold feel … cheap.”

This passage underscores the contrast between her expectations of triumph and the sobering reality of her emotional state. It emphasizes that material success is hollow without genuine liberation and personal integrity.

3. “Not the way I thought it would.”

This brief but powerful line reflects Celaena’s nuanced feelings about her newfound freedom. It signifies that her liberation from debt and control is complicated, layered with unforeseen emotional consequences, and not as straightforward as she anticipated.

4. “She glanced at him sidelong. ‘It’s not the way I thought it would.’”

This quote reveals her introspection and acknowledgment that her perception of freedom has been altered by her experiences. It also hints at the ongoing internal struggle and the complex nature of her emancipation.

5. “She smiled slowly. What better way to get back at Philip than to break in through the very door he’d revealed to her?”

This statement illustrates Celaena’s strategic mindset and her use of cunning and defiance as tools for revenge. It signifies her resourcefulness and determination to turn her vulnerabilities into advantages, marking her growth as an assassin and a tactician.

Quotes

1. “She thought this was a good idea
— until she saw the way he looked at her, and suddenly all that gold felt… cheap.”

This quote captures Celaena’s internal conflict and the realization that material wealth cannot buy her true freedom or peace. It highlights the emotional complexity of her decision to settle her debt and break free from Arobynn’s control, marking a pivotal moment of self-awareness.

2. “She’d expected to crow with glee when she gave him the money, expected to strut around the Keep. But seeing the way he’d looked at her made all that gold feel … cheap.”

This passage underscores the contrast between her expectations of triumph and the sobering reality of her emotional state. It emphasizes that material success is hollow without genuine liberation and personal integrity.

3. “Not the way I thought it would.”

This brief but powerful line reflects Celaena’s nuanced feelings about her newfound freedom. It signifies that her liberation from debt and control is complicated, layered with unforeseen emotional consequences, and not as straightforward as she anticipated.

4. “She glanced at him sidelong. ‘It’s not the way I thought it would.’”

This quote reveals her introspection and acknowledgment that her perception of freedom has been altered by her experiences. It also hints at the ongoing internal struggle and the complex nature of her emancipation.

5. “She smiled slowly. What better way to get back at Philip than to break in through the very door he’d revealed to her?”

This statement illustrates Celaena’s strategic mindset and her use of cunning and defiance as tools for revenge. It signifies her resourcefulness and determination to turn her vulnerabilities into advantages, marking her growth as an assassin and a tactician.

FAQs

1. What significant change in Celaena’s relationship with Arobynn is evident by the end of this chapter, and how does it reflect her personal growth?

Answer:
By the end of the chapter, Celaena asserts her independence by paying off her debt to Arobynn and explicitly telling him she no longer belongs to him, stating, “You don’t own me anymore.” This marks a pivotal shift from her previous subservience and fear of him, especially considering their past, including his violence towards her. Her decision to settle her debt with her own money and her careful choice to keep her plans to leave private demonstrate her growing confidence and desire for autonomy. This change reflects her personal growth from a frightened, controlled assassin to a woman reclaiming her agency and making decisions on her own terms.

2. How does Celaena’s plan to infiltrate Doneval’s house demonstrate strategic thinking, and what does it reveal about her understanding of her environment?

Answer:
Celaena employs a detailed and clever plan to infiltrate Doneval’s house by exploiting the servants’ routines, specifically their trash disposal. Recognizing that the front door is too well-guarded, she considers alternative entry points, such as slipping in through the cellar by waiting for the servants to take out the trash, which they are unlikely to do at predictable times. Her plan shows her keen observational skills, understanding of human behavior, and the importance of patience and timing. It reveals her ability to adapt her approach based on environmental conditions, demonstrating strategic thinking essential for stealth and infiltration missions.

3. In what ways does Celaena’s interaction with Arobynn in this chapter highlight her internal conflict and her evolving sense of self?

Answer:
Celaena’s interaction with Arobynn is layered with tension and subtle emotional shifts. She approaches him cautiously, initially feeling sick and uncertain about giving him the money, which indicates lingering fears and doubts rooted in their past. Her declaration that she wants to keep working with him, despite asserting her independence, shows her internal conflict—she still values her skills and the work but resists being controlled. Her decision to leave quietly and her observation that the gold feels “cheap” suggest she is beginning to see her worth beyond monetary debt or Arobynn’s influence. This interaction underscores her evolving self-awareness and her struggle to forge her own identity apart from her past.

4. How does the chapter use setting—such as the sewer and the study—to enhance the narrative and develop Celaena’s character?

Answer:
The contrasting settings—the opulent, tense atmosphere of Arobynn’s study and the dark, grim sewer—serve to highlight different facets of Celaena’s world and her character. The study, with its wealth and power dynamics, underscores her past dependence and the manipulative relationship with Arobynn. In contrast, the sewer, a place of danger and concealment, symbolizes her resilience, resourcefulness, and willingness to operate in the shadows to achieve her goals. The sewer scenes also reveal her bravery and strategic mindset, as she navigates a perilous environment. These settings deepen the reader’s understanding of her complexity—caught between luxury and darkness, strength and vulnerability—shaping her journey toward independence.

5. Reflecting on Celaena’s interactions and decisions in this chapter, what themes of freedom and self-empowerment are emphasized, and how might they influence her future actions?

Answer:
Themes of freedom and self-empowerment are central in this chapter. Celaena’s act of paying off her debt signifies her literal financial independence, while her careful planning to infiltrate Doneval’s house demonstrates her desire for control and autonomy. Her declaration that she is no longer owned by Arobynn and her choice to keep her plans private show her internal shift toward asserting her independence. These themes suggest that she is beginning to take active steps to shape her future, which will likely influence her resolve in upcoming challenges. Her actions reflect a growing recognition of her own strength, setting the stage for her to pursue her goals with confidence and self-reliance.

The Assassin and the Underworld

Chapter Nine

FAQs

1. What significant change in Celaena’s relationship with Arobynn is evident by the end of this chapter, and how does it reflect her personal growth?

2. How does Celaena’s plan to infiltrate Doneval’s house demonstrate strategic thinking, and what does it reveal about her understanding of her environment?

3. In what ways does Celaena’s interaction with Arobynn in this chapter highlight her internal conflict and her evolving sense of self?

4. How does the chapter use setting—such as the sewer and the study—to enhance the narrative and develop Celaena’s character?

5. Reflecting on Celaena’s interactions and decisions in this chapter, what themes of freedom and self-empowerment are emphasized, and how might they influence her future actions?

Quotes

1. “She thought this was a good idea—until she saw the way he looked at her, and suddenly all that gold felt… cheap.”

2. “She’d expected to crow with glee when she gave him the money, expected to strut around the Keep. But seeing the way he’d looked at her made all that gold feel … cheap.”

3. “Not the way I thought it would.”

4. “She glanced at him sidelong. ‘It’s not the way I thought it would.’”

5. “She smiled slowly. What better way to get back at Philip than to break in through the very door he’d revealed to her?”

Quotes

1. “She thought this was a good idea
— until she saw the way he looked at her, and suddenly all that gold felt… cheap.”

2. “She’d expected to crow with glee when she gave him the money, expected to strut around the Keep. But seeing the way he’d looked at her made all that gold feel … cheap.”

3. “Not the way I thought it would.”

4. “She glanced at him sidelong. ‘It’s not the way I thought it would.’”

5. “She smiled slowly. What better way to get back at Philip than to break in through the very door he’d revealed to her?”

FAQs

1. What significant change in Celaena’s relationship with Arobynn is evident by the end of this chapter, and how does it reflect her personal growth?

2. How does Celaena’s plan to infiltrate Doneval’s house demonstrate strategic thinking, and what does it reveal about her understanding of her environment?

3. In what ways does Celaena’s interaction with Arobynn in this chapter highlight her internal conflict and her evolving sense of self?

4. How does the chapter use setting—such as the sewer and the study—to enhance the narrative and develop Celaena’s character?

5. Reflecting on Celaena’s interactions and decisions in this chapter, what themes of freedom and self-empowerment are emphasized, and how might they influence her future actions?

0 Comments

FAQs

1. What significant change in Celaena’s relationship with Arobynn is evident by the end of this chapter, and how does it reflect her personal growth?

2. How does Celaena’s plan to infiltrate Doneval’s house demonstrate strategic thinking, and what does it reveal about her understanding of her environment?

3. In what ways does Celaena’s interaction with Arobynn in this chapter highlight her internal conflict and her evolving sense of self?

4. How does the chapter use setting—such as the sewer and the study—to enhance the narrative and develop Celaena’s character?

5. Reflecting on Celaena’s interactions and decisions in this chapter, what themes of freedom and self-empowerment are emphasized, and how might they influence her future actions?

Quotes

1. “She thought this was a good idea—until she saw the way he looked at her, and suddenly all that gold felt… cheap.”

2. “She’d expected to crow with glee when she gave him the money, expected to strut around the Keep. But seeing the way he’d looked at her made all that gold feel … cheap.”

3. “Not the way I thought it would.”

4. “She glanced at him sidelong. ‘It’s not the way I thought it would.’”

5. “She smiled slowly. What better way to get back at Philip than to break in through the very door he’d revealed to her?”

Quotes

1. “She thought this was a good idea — until she saw the way he looked at her, and suddenly all that gold felt… cheap.”

2. “She’d expected to crow with glee when she gave him the money, expected to strut around the Keep. But seeing the way he’d looked at her made all that gold feel … cheap.”

3. “Not the way I thought it would.”

4. “She glanced at him sidelong. ‘It’s not the way I thought it would.’”

5. “She smiled slowly. What better way to get back at Philip than to break in through the very door he’d revealed to her?”

FAQs

1. What significant change in Celaena’s relationship with Arobynn is evident by the end of this chapter, and how does it reflect her personal growth?

2. How does Celaena’s plan to infiltrate Doneval’s house demonstrate strategic thinking, and what does it reveal about her understanding of her environment?

3. In what ways does Celaena’s interaction with Arobynn in this chapter highlight her internal conflict and her evolving sense of self?

4. How does the chapter use setting—such as the sewer and the study—to enhance the narrative and develop Celaena’s character?

5. Reflecting on Celaena’s interactions and decisions in this chapter, what themes of freedom and self-empowerment are emphasized, and how might they influence her future actions?

0 Comments

1. “She thought this was a good idea
— until she saw the way he looked at her, and suddenly all that gold felt… cheap.”