The Assassin and the Underworld
Chapter Three
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with Celaena and her companions arriving at Arobynn’s private box during a theatrical performance, where they are greeted with wine and conversation. Arobynn’s familiarity and ease in the social setting contrast sharply with Celaena’s more detached demeanor. She chooses to sit near the stage, appreciating the grandeur of the theater, which she considers her sanctuary. Her thoughts reveal a longing for independence, as she contemplates moving out from her current apartment closer to the theater, intending to pay her debt and reclaim her autonomy from Arobynn’s influence.
As the scene progresses, Celaena observes the audience and the prominent figures present, including a woman named Leighfer Bardingale, who is seated with her companions. Arobynn provides details about Bardingale’s background, hinting at her strategic motives for attending the event—she is a former wife of Doneval, the man she plans to assassinate. Celaena recognizes the importance of Bardingale’s poised exterior, suspecting that beneath her elegant facade lies a ruthless determination. The presence of bodyguards and associates highlights the political and personal stakes intertwined with the assassination plot.
The narrative shifts focus to Celaena’s interactions and internal reflections. Lysandra’s flirtations and her own feelings of exposure in her gown contrast with her internal resolve. She contemplates the significance of her words to Sam, her companion, and feels a mixture of nervousness and determination. Her awareness of the danger she faces is palpable, yet she remains composed, observing Doneval and his seemingly indifferent demeanor, which belies the gravity of his role in the impending violence. The scene underscores her internal conflict between her outward composure and the weight of her covert mission.
The chapter culminates as the performance begins, with the orchestra setting a mystical and shadowy tone. Celaena’s attention is caught by the unfolding drama, and her focus sharpens as she prepares for the critical moment. Sam’s subtle gestures and words serve to bolster her resolve, even as her emotions swirl. The act of watching the play becomes a metaphor for her own life—shrouded in darkness, with secrets and danger lurking beneath the surface. The chapter ends with Celaena surrendering herself to the music and the story, fully immersing in the moment before her deadly task commences.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the setting in the theater scene, and how does it reflect Celaena’s state of mind?
Answer:
The theater setting serves as a vivid backdrop that highlights Celaena’s complex emotions and internal conflict. The opulence of the velvet cushions, the sparkling chandeliers, and the grandeur of the hall contrast sharply with her covert mission to assassinate Doneval, indicating her sense of being caught between beauty and danger. Her feeling of being “most at home” in the theater suggests a deep connection to performance, perhaps a longing for a world of art and distraction amidst her dangerous responsibilities. The proximity of the theater to the Assassin’s Keep underscores her struggle to balance her personal life with her covert role, and her contemplation of moving out reflects her desire for independence and control over her circumstances.2. How does the character of Bardingale exemplify the theme of deception and strategic alliance in the chapter?
Answer:
Bardingale embodies the theme of deception through her outward appearance of politeness and nobility, which masks her cold, steel-like resolve and her true intentions. Her apparent friendliness and the way she mingles with others at the theater serve as a cover for her real motive—to have Doneval assassinated. Her strategic alliance with Doneval, evidenced by her previous marriage and ongoing joint business ventures, demonstrates her ability to manipulate social situations to her advantage. This layered deception emphasizes how characters in this world often wear masks, using appearances and alliances to conceal their true motives, a critical element in the chapter’s exploration of political intrigue and personal duplicity.3. Based on the chapter, what can be inferred about Celaena’s feelings toward her role as an assassin and her personal life?
Answer:
Celaena appears to have a conflicted but pragmatic attitude toward her role as an assassin. She is highly observant, noting details about her target and the surrounding people, which indicates her professionalism and focus. Her desire to tell Arobynn she is paying her debt and moving out suggests a longing for independence and a wish to separate her personal life from her dangerous profession. Her moment of complimenting Sam—saying he looks handsome and later telling him he looks beautiful—reveals her vulnerability and her need for genuine connection amidst her perilous life. Her feelings of discomfort and the effort to be kind highlight her internal struggle with her identity as both a killer and a person yearning for normalcy and meaningful relationships.4. How does the chapter use imagery and descriptions to build tension during the covert assassination scene?
Answer:
The chapter employs detailed imagery and sensory descriptions to heighten the tension surrounding the assassination mission. The contrast between the luxurious theater environment and the deadly purpose of the mission underscores the danger lurking beneath civility. Descriptions such as Arobynn’s “hot breath,” the “dimmed chandeliers,” and the “darkness” of the stage evoke a sense of intimacy and foreboding. Celaena’s heightened awareness of her surroundings—observing the guards, the target, and the subtle cues—creates a suspenseful atmosphere. The moment when the music begins to “annihilate” her signals a shift from external distraction to internal focus, emphasizing the gravity and immediacy of her task.5. In what ways does Celaena’s interaction with Sam reflect her internal conflict and emotional state?
Answer:
Celaena’s interaction with Sam reveals her vulnerability and the complexity of her emotions. Her decision to compliment him—saying he looks handsome—demonstrates her desire to connect and her attempt to be kind despite her dangerous circumstances. Her nervousness, shown by her quick turn to focus on the stage and her internal struggle to say something meaningful, indicates her internal conflict between her professional duties and her personal feelings. Sam’s quiet, attentive presence and his gentle words about her appearance serve as a rare moment of intimacy and reassurance in her tumultuous life. This interaction underscores her longing for genuine connection and her internal battle between her role as an assassin and her desire for normalcy and affection.
Quotes
1. “All of them occupied the coveted center position, and all of them were vacant. What a waste.”
This quote highlights Celaena’s sense of longing and dissatisfaction with her current position—both literally in the theater and metaphorically in her life—underscoring her desire for something more meaningful or fulfilling beyond her current circumstances.
2. “It was smart of Bardingale, really. If she planned to have him assassinated, then pretending to be his friend would help keep fingers from pointing her way.”
This passage reflects the intricate deception and strategic thinking involved in the world of assassins and political machinations, emphasizing the theme of appearances versus reality in the chapter’s narrative.
3. “She felt him tensing, as if he, too, wanted to say something. Somewhere in the theater, a gong began signaling the audience to take their seats. It was now or never.”
This moment captures the emotional tension and the pivotal decision point for Celaena, illustrating her internal conflict and the gravity of her covert mission.
4. “The music annihilated her.”
A powerful, succinct conclusion that encapsulates how deeply the theater experience immerses her, stripping away her external identity and immersing her in a world of myth and shadows, symbolizing her escape and internal transformation.