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    Adventure FictionFantasyYoung Adult

    The Assassin and the Underworld

    by Maas, Sarah J.
    “The Assassin and the Underworld” by Sarah J. Maas is a novella set before the events of the “Throne of Glass” series, focusing on Celaena Sardothien. Tasked by the King of the Assassins to help combat slavery, she embarks on a dangerous mission that reveals her skills and resilience. The story explores themes of loyalty, justice, and Celaena’s early development as a formidable assassin within a perilous underworld.
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    The Assassin and the Underworld

    Chapter Two

    by Maas, Sarah J.

    The chap­ter opens with Celae­na wak­ing to a relent­less rain, receiv­ing an ele­gant gift from Arobynn—a pair of exquis­ite gold hair combs dec­o­rat­ed with sap­phires. Her reac­tion is a mix of gen­uine delight and restrained defi­ance, as she acknowl­edges the lux­u­ri­ous ges­ture while har­bor­ing lin­ger­ing resent­ment toward Arobynn’s manip­u­la­tive nature. She briefly admires her reflec­tion, feel­ing a sense of empow­er­ment from her appear­ance but is also remind­ed of her unkempt state, espe­cial­ly her dam­aged nails and hair. The con­trast­ing feel­ings high­light her com­plex emotions—her long­ing for nor­mal­cy and her aware­ness of her pre­car­i­ous posi­tion with­in Arobynn’s world.

    As she pre­pares to face the day, Celae­na takes time for per­son­al groom­ing, vis­it­ing her pre­ferred beau­ty shop despite the mis­er­able weath­er. Her trans­for­ma­tion from disheveled to pol­ished under­scores her desire for con­trol and self-respect amid the chaos of her envi­ron­ment. She then ven­tures into the city streets, observ­ing the somber, rain-soaked cap­i­tal of Rifthold. The vibrant city life per­sists despite the down­pour, with street per­form­ers and wealthy spec­ta­tors bun­dled in cloaks, cre­at­ing a live­ly yet sub­dued atmos­phere. Celaena’s obser­va­tions reflect her keen aware­ness of her sur­round­ings and her long­ing for nor­mal­cy, even as she remains wary of the polit­i­cal and social under­cur­rents at play.

    The arrival of the Melisande con­voy marks a sig­nif­i­cant event, and Celae­na nav­i­gates the wet, bustling streets to avoid the crowds. She reflects on her rela­tion­ships, par­tic­u­lar­ly her sus­pi­cions about Sam and Lysandra’s close­ness, which stirs feel­ings of betray­al and jeal­ousy. Her thoughts reveal her inter­nal conflict—her desire for inde­pen­dence clash­es with her emo­tion­al vul­ner­a­bil­i­ties. Despite her bit­ter­ness, she remains obser­vant of her envi­ron­ment, not­ing the hard­ships faced by the city’s inhab­i­tants and her own sense of iso­la­tion. Her mood oscil­lates between defi­ance and intro­spec­tion as she con­tem­plates her next move.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with Celae­na prepar­ing for a dan­ger­ous mis­sion, don­ning a sleek, black com­bat suit tai­lored for stealth and com­bat. The suit’s design empha­sizes her readi­ness and trans­for­ma­tion into a lethal assas­sin, with con­cealed weapons and a con­cealed blade sys­tem. Arobynn’s influ­ence per­sists as he orches­trates her train­ing, demon­strat­ing her new capa­bil­i­ties. The scene under­scores her resolve to con­front her ene­mies and her accep­tance of her role as a for­mi­da­ble, dead­ly force. Her trans­for­ma­tion into this armored, skilled assas­sin sig­ni­fies her shift from vul­ner­a­bil­i­ty to pow­er, set­ting the stage for the chal­lenges ahead.

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    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      What significance do the gift and the hair combs hold for Celaena, and how do they reflect her relationship with Arobynn?
      Answer:
      The gift of the exquisite gold hair combs signifies a gesture of luxury and possibly manipulation from Arobynn, reflecting his influence over Celaena. The combs, formed like fish fins with sapphires, symbolize elegance and power, aligning with Celaena’s desire to appear beguiling and commanding. Her excited reaction indicates that she appreciates the beauty and craftsmanship, but her internal acknowledgment that no gift can truly forgive her feelings toward Arobynn reveals a complex, ambivalent relationship. It underscores the tension between her dependence on his resources and her resentment or distrust of him, highlighting her struggle with her autonomy and her status within his influence.

      2. Question 2

      How does the weather and the city’s atmosphere contribute to the mood of this chapter, and what might this suggest about Celaena’s state of mind?
      Answer:
      The persistent rain and gloomy atmosphere, with thunder and overcast skies, create a somber, oppressive mood that mirrors Celaena’s internal conflict and sense of unrest. The rain hampers festivities and reflects her feeling of being trapped or weighed down by her circumstances. Her observation of the city’s gleaming yet subdued landscape, along with her own unkempt appearance, emphasizes her feelings of neglect and alienation. The weather acts as a metaphor for her emotional state—feeling stormy, conflicted, and perhaps powerless—highlighting her desire for control and normalcy amid chaos.

      3. Question 3

      In what ways does Celaena’s preparation for her upcoming task demonstrate her character development, and what do her actions reveal about her priorities?
      Answer:
      Celaena’s meticulous grooming and her decision to indulge in pampering after a period of neglect show her desire to reclaim her confidence and sense of identity. Her focus on her appearance, despite the rain and chaos outside, reveals her understanding of her power as a figure of allure and strength. When she finally commits to taking on Doneval and the blackmail documents, it signifies her readiness to confront her past and her role within the political intrigue. Her actions—balancing self-care with strategic decision-making—highlight her resilience, independence, and evolving sense of purpose.

      4. Question 4

      Analyze the significance of the black outfit and concealed weapons in the context of Celaena’s mission. What does this attire suggest about her approach to the task ahead?
      Answer:
      The black suit, armor-like and skintight, symbolizes her readiness for combat and her need for stealth and protection. The concealed weapons, including the hidden blade, emphasize her tactical approach—being prepared for violence or danger while maintaining a low profile. This attire reflects her shift from a girl concerned with appearance to a trained assassin focused on efficiency and survival. It suggests that she recognizes the gravity of her mission and is adopting a professional, no-nonsense mindset, prioritizing readiness and strategic prowess over vanity.

      5. Question 5

      Critically evaluate Celaena’s internal conflict regarding her relationships with Arobynn, Lysandra, and Sam. How do these relationships influence her actions and mindset in this chapter?
      Answer:
      Celaena’s relationships are marked by betrayal, dependency, and complex emotions. Her suspicion of Sam’s loyalty and her bitterness toward Lysandra reveal her feelings of jealousy, abandonment, and mistrust. Her internal conflict is evident when she reflects on how quickly trust can erode and how susceptible she is to those around her, even as she tries to maintain control. These relationships influence her decision-making, fueling her determination to take on dangerous tasks to regain agency and perhaps seek retribution or validation. Her emotional turmoil adds depth to her character, illustrating how personal bonds intertwine with her professional and survival instincts, ultimately shaping her cautious yet resolute approach.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Arobynn might be a bastard, and he might associate with Lysandra, but he had damn good taste.”

      This quote highlights Celaena’s complex feelings towards Arobynn, acknowledging his flaws while recognizing his refined taste. It underscores the nuanced relationship between her and her master, blending resentment with grudging respect, and sets the tone for her conflicted emotions about her circumstances.

      2. “Even the rain wouldn’t keep her from a little pampering.”

      This line illustrates Celaena’s resilience and her desire to cling to her sense of identity and luxury despite the hardships of her environment. It emphasizes her determination to maintain her dignity and self-care, even amid adversity.

      3. “It was like having a short sword permanently attached to her forearm.”

      This description captures the advanced, almost seamless integration of her weaponry into her attire, symbolizing her readiness and the merging of her identity with her skills. It signifies her preparedness for action and the transformation she undergoes to become a lethal, disciplined warrior.

      4. “She glanced again at her hair and nails. A very unkempt, wild-looking pet.”

      This introspective remark reveals Celaena’s self-awareness and her feelings of neglect or loss of control, contrasting her usual elegance with her current state. It reflects her internal conflict and the importance she places on her appearance as part of her identity.

      5. “The convoy from Melisande couldn’t have picked a worse time to visit. If they wanted to have street festivals, they’d find few participants willing to brave the merciless downpour.”

      This observation sets the scene for the chapter’s atmosphere, emphasizing the bleak weather and the subdued, almost oppressive mood of the city during the convoy’s arrival. It also subtly hints at the underlying tensions and the contrast between celebration and hardship in the narrative.

    Quotes

    1. “Arobynn might be a bastard, and he might associate with Lysandra, but he had damn good taste.”

    This quote highlights Celaena’s complex feelings towards Arobynn, acknowledging his flaws while recognizing his refined taste. It underscores the nuanced relationship between her and her master, blending resentment with grudging respect, and sets the tone for her conflicted emotions about her circumstances.

    2. “Even the rain wouldn’t keep her from a little pampering.”

    This line illustrates Celaena’s resilience and her desire to cling to her sense of identity and luxury despite the hardships of her environment. It emphasizes her determination to maintain her dignity and self-care, even amid adversity.

    3. “It was like having a short sword permanently attached to her forearm.”

    This description captures the advanced, almost seamless integration of her weaponry into her attire, symbolizing her readiness and the merging of her identity with her skills. It signifies her preparedness for action and the transformation she undergoes to become a lethal, disciplined warrior.

    4. “She glanced again at her hair and nails. A very unkempt, wild-looking pet.”

    This introspective remark reveals Celaena’s self-awareness and her feelings of neglect or loss of control, contrasting her usual elegance with her current state. It reflects her internal conflict and the importance she places on her appearance as part of her identity.

    5. “The convoy from Melisande couldn’t have picked a worse time to visit. If they wanted to have street festivals, they’d find few participants willing to brave the merciless downpour.”

    This observation sets the scene for the chapter’s atmosphere, emphasizing the bleak weather and the subdued, almost oppressive mood of the city during the convoy’s arrival. It also subtly hints at the underlying tensions and the contrast between celebration and hardship in the narrative.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    What significance do the gift and the hair combs hold for Celaena, and how do they reflect her relationship with Arobynn?
    Answer:
    The gift of the exquisite gold hair combs signifies a gesture of luxury and possibly manipulation from Arobynn, reflecting his influence over Celaena. The combs, formed like fish fins with sapphires, symbolize elegance and power, aligning with Celaena’s desire to appear beguiling and commanding. Her excited reaction indicates that she appreciates the beauty and craftsmanship, but her internal acknowledgment that no gift can truly forgive her feelings toward Arobynn reveals a complex, ambivalent relationship. It underscores the tension between her dependence on his resources and her resentment or distrust of him, highlighting her struggle with her autonomy and her status within his influence.

    2. Question 2

    How does the weather and the city’s atmosphere contribute to the mood of this chapter, and what might this suggest about Celaena’s state of mind?
    Answer:
    The persistent rain and gloomy atmosphere, with thunder and overcast skies, create a somber, oppressive mood that mirrors Celaena’s internal conflict and sense of unrest. The rain hampers festivities and reflects her feeling of being trapped or weighed down by her circumstances. Her observation of the city’s gleaming yet subdued landscape, along with her own unkempt appearance, emphasizes her feelings of neglect and alienation. The weather acts as a metaphor for her emotional state—feeling stormy, conflicted, and perhaps powerless—highlighting her desire for control and normalcy amid chaos.

    3. Question 3

    In what ways does Celaena’s preparation for her upcoming task demonstrate her character development, and what do her actions reveal about her priorities?
    Answer:
    Celaena’s meticulous grooming and her decision to indulge in pampering after a period of neglect show her desire to reclaim her confidence and sense of identity. Her focus on her appearance, despite the rain and chaos outside, reveals her understanding of her power as a figure of allure and strength. When she finally commits to taking on Doneval and the blackmail documents, it signifies her readiness to confront her past and her role within the political intrigue. Her actions—balancing self-care with strategic decision-making—highlight her resilience, independence, and evolving sense of purpose.

    4. Question 4

    Analyze the significance of the black outfit and concealed weapons in the context of Celaena’s mission. What does this attire suggest about her approach to the task ahead?
    Answer:
    The black suit, armor-like and skintight, symbolizes her readiness for combat and her need for stealth and protection. The concealed weapons, including the hidden blade, emphasize her tactical approach—being prepared for violence or danger while maintaining a low profile. This attire reflects her shift from a girl concerned with appearance to a trained assassin focused on efficiency and survival. It suggests that she recognizes the gravity of her mission and is adopting a professional, no-nonsense mindset, prioritizing readiness and strategic prowess over vanity.

    5. Question 5

    Critically evaluate Celaena’s internal conflict regarding her relationships with Arobynn, Lysandra, and Sam. How do these relationships influence her actions and mindset in this chapter?
    Answer:
    Celaena’s relationships are marked by betrayal, dependency, and complex emotions. Her suspicion of Sam’s loyalty and her bitterness toward Lysandra reveal her feelings of jealousy, abandonment, and mistrust. Her internal conflict is evident when she reflects on how quickly trust can erode and how susceptible she is to those around her, even as she tries to maintain control. These relationships influence her decision-making, fueling her determination to take on dangerous tasks to regain agency and perhaps seek retribution or validation. Her emotional turmoil adds depth to her character, illustrating how personal bonds intertwine with her professional and survival instincts, ultimately shaping her cautious yet resolute approach.

    Note