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    Tower of Dawn

    by Maas, Sarah J.
    “Tower of Dawn” by Sarah J. Maas is a fantasy novel set in the same universe as the “Throne of Glass” series. It follows Chaol Westfall as he journeys to the southern continent to seek healing and uncover secrets that could impact his homeland. The story explores themes of redemption, resilience, and political intrigue, expanding the series’ overarching narrative and deepening character development.
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    Tower of Dawn

    Chapter Thirty-Seven

    by Maas, Sarah J.

    In Chap­ter Thir­ty-Sev­en, Nes­ryn finds her­self pressed for time as Falka­n’s recov­ery peri­od lim­its their plans to explore the south­ern watch­tow­er ruins. Despite her attempts to per­suade Sar­taq to ven­ture with­out the shape-shifter, he remains cau­tious, pri­or­i­tiz­ing safe­ty. Mean­while, Sar­taq takes the oppor­tu­ni­ty to intro­duce Nes­ryn to var­i­ous clans and hearth-moth­ers in the north­ern and west­ern regions, where she expe­ri­ences a mix of warmth and aloof­ness from dif­fer­ent lead­ers. These vis­its serve to deep­en her under­stand­ing of the rukhin soci­ety and strength­en her bond with Sar­taq, as he active­ly involves her in their cus­toms and dai­ly life.

    Through­out their jour­ney, Sar­taq demon­strates a lead­er­ship style root­ed in humil­i­ty and shared effort, engag­ing in chores and tasks along­side Nes­ryn regard­less of his rank. She is grad­u­al­ly unbur­dened from her past life in Rifthold, recall­ing her for­mer world of mar­ble floors, strict orders, and guard­ed rou­tines. Instead, she immers­es her­self in moun­tain life, lis­ten­ing to sto­ries around fires, learn­ing about the rukhin’s his­to­ry, and par­tic­i­pat­ing in their tra­di­tions. This new envi­ron­ment offers her a sense of free­dom and belong­ing she had not known before, trans­form­ing her per­spec­tive and emo­tion­al state.

    Dur­ing a com­mu­nal gath­er­ing, Nes­ryn sur­pris­es every­one by offer­ing to sing a song from her home­land rather than recount a sto­ry, reveal­ing her vul­ner­a­bil­i­ty and desire to con­nect through her per­son­al his­to­ry. Her song, a trib­ute to her moth­er and her home­land of Adar­lan, evokes a deep emo­tion­al response, bridg­ing her past and present. The act of singing, a rare moment of shar­ing her inner self, high­lights her grow­ing trust in her new com­mu­ni­ty and her will­ing­ness to embrace her iden­ti­ty beyond her pre­vi­ous life of duty and dis­ci­pline.

    The chap­ter cul­mi­nates in Nesryn’s heart­felt per­for­mance, with her voice res­onat­ing through the moun­tain hall amid the flick­er­ing fire­light. The act of singing sym­bol­izes her accep­tance of her new life and her con­nec­tion to her roots. Sar­taq’s silent, seri­ous demeanor dur­ing her per­for­mance under­scores the sig­nif­i­cance of this moment for her, mark­ing a turn­ing point in her emo­tion­al jour­ney. Through this act, Nes­ryn begins to rec­on­cile her past with her present, find­ing strength in her her­itage and a renewed sense of pur­pose with­in the moun­tain com­mu­ni­ty.

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    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      How does Nesryn’s experience with the other clans and hearth-mothers reflect her personal growth and adaptation during her time in the mountain region?
      Answer:
      Nesryn’s interactions with the various clans and hearth-mothers demonstrate her evolving understanding of the diverse cultures and leadership styles within the mountain society. Initially, she might have viewed her role as a soldier through a more rigid, formal lens, but her experiences—such as participating in feasts, riding Kadara, and engaging in daily chores—show her embracing a more integrated and humble way of life. Her willingness to learn from the local customs, like the storytelling and singing, and her participation in tasks like cleaning and teaching, reflect her personal growth in humility, adaptability, and openness. This immersion helps her forge genuine connections and understand her new environment beyond official duties.

      2. Question 2

      What is the significance of Nesryn choosing to sing a song from her homeland, and how does this act serve as a bridge between her past and her present?
      Answer:
      Nesryn’s decision to sing a song from her homeland is highly symbolic. It serves as a personal act of sharing her heritage and memories, connecting her with her roots amid unfamiliar surroundings. The song, associated with her mother and her childhood, embodies a longing for her past and a piece of her identity. By sharing it with the mountain folk, Nesryn bridges her former life in Adarlan with her current experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. It also humanizes her beyond her role as a soldier, revealing her vulnerability and cultural depth. This act deepens relationships, especially with Borte and others, and signifies her acceptance of her multifaceted identity.

      3. Question 3

      Analyze Sartaq’s behavior during the storytelling scene. What does his reaction to Nesryn’s singing reveal about his character and leadership style?
      Answer:
      Sartaq’s silent, attentive demeanor as Nesryn sings indicates his respect and appreciation for her sharing a personal part of herself. His stillness suggests he values genuine expression and is moved by her song, which is a rare moment of vulnerability in a leader. This behavior reveals that Sartaq is perceptive, emotionally intelligent, and supportive—traits essential for a leader who leads by example rather than dominance. His quiet presence during the performance underscores his respect for her and the importance he places on cultural and emotional bonds, reinforcing his role as a compassionate and understanding leader who values connection and authenticity.

      4. Question 4

      In what ways does the chapter highlight the theme of cultural exchange and understanding? Provide specific examples.
      Answer:
      The chapter emphasizes cultural exchange through Nesryn’s interactions with the clans, hearth-mothers, and riders, showcasing her participation in their customs, feasts, and daily routines. Her willingness to learn and engage—such as riding Kadara, practicing archery, and sharing her song—illustrates mutual respect and curiosity. The storytelling around the fire, especially Nesryn’s singing of a song from her homeland, symbolizes bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding. These moments contrast with her previous life in Rifthold, emphasizing her adaptation and the importance of cultural exchange in building trust and unity among diverse groups.

      5. Question 5

      Critically evaluate the significance of the scene where Nesryn recalls her childhood and her mother’s song. How does this memory influence her perspective and actions in the chapter?
      Answer:
      The memory of her mother’s song serves as a poignant reminder of Nesryn’s roots, identity, and the simpler, more innocent times of her childhood. It evokes feelings of longing, love, and a connection to her homeland, which she chooses to share with her new community. This act of singing signifies her acceptance of her multifaceted identity—both as a soldier and as someone with deep cultural ties. It influences her perspective by reinforcing the importance of holding onto her heritage, even in unfamiliar surroundings, and demonstrates her resilience. Her willingness to open up emotionally highlights her growth from a guarded individual to someone capable of vulnerability, fostering deeper bonds with her new allies.

    Quotes

    • 1. “She could no longer picture it—the quiet meetings at the palace in Rifthold where she had given solemn guards their orders and then parted ways amongst marble floors and finery. Could not remember the city barracks, where she’d lurked in the back of a crowded room, gotten her orders, and then stood on a street corner for hours, watching people buy and eat and argue and walk about.”

      This quote highlights Nesryn’s emotional and psychological transition from her former life of duty and formality in Rifthold to her current life among the mountain clans. It underscores the profound change in her sense of identity and belonging.

      2. “And did not want to go back to it.”

      This succinct statement powerfully captures Nesryn’s realization that she prefers her new life of simplicity and connection over her past world of political intrigue and superficial grandeur, emphasizing her internal shift.

      3. “No matter his rank, no matter his status as captain, he did every chore without a word of complaint. No one was above work, he told her when she’d asked one night.”

      This quote reflects Sartaq’s leadership philosophy and embodies the theme of humility and equality, illustrating how his actions inspire respect and unity among the clans.

      4. “And this song of her mother’s … One of the few stories she had, in the form she loved best. Of her homeland in better days. And she wanted to share it with them—that glimpse into what her land might again become.”

      This passage emphasizes the power of storytelling and music as a means of cultural preservation and hope, illustrating Nesryn’s desire to reconnect her new community with her homeland’s history and potential future.

      5. “Nesryn listened to the wind again. Let herself drift back to her pretty little bedroom in Rifthold, let herself feel her mother’s silken hands stroking her face, her hair. She had been so taken with her father’s stories of his far-off homeland, of the ruks and horse-lords, that she had rarely asked for anything about Adarlan itself, despite being a child of both lands.”

      This poignant reflection reveals Nesryn’s deep personal connection to her roots and her longing for the stories and comfort of her childhood, which now serve as her source of strength and identity.

    Quotes

    1. “She could no longer picture it—the quiet meetings at the palace in Rifthold where she had given solemn guards their orders and then parted ways amongst marble floors and finery. Could not remember the city barracks, where she’d lurked in the back of a crowded room, gotten her orders, and then stood on a street corner for hours, watching people buy and eat and argue and walk about.”

    This quote highlights Nesryn’s emotional and psychological transition from her former life of duty and formality in Rifthold to her current life among the mountain clans. It underscores the profound change in her sense of identity and belonging.

    2. “And did not want to go back to it.”

    This succinct statement powerfully captures Nesryn’s realization that she prefers her new life of simplicity and connection over her past world of political intrigue and superficial grandeur, emphasizing her internal shift.

    3. “No matter his rank, no matter his status as captain, he did every chore without a word of complaint. No one was above work, he told her when she’d asked one night.”

    This quote reflects Sartaq’s leadership philosophy and embodies the theme of humility and equality, illustrating how his actions inspire respect and unity among the clans.

    4. “And this song of her mother’s … One of the few stories she had, in the form she loved best. Of her homeland in better days. And she wanted to share it with them—that glimpse into what her land might again become.”

    This passage emphasizes the power of storytelling and music as a means of cultural preservation and hope, illustrating Nesryn’s desire to reconnect her new community with her homeland’s history and potential future.

    5. “Nesryn listened to the wind again. Let herself drift back to her pretty little bedroom in Rifthold, let herself feel her mother’s silken hands stroking her face, her hair. She had been so taken with her father’s stories of his far-off homeland, of the ruks and horse-lords, that she had rarely asked for anything about Adarlan itself, despite being a child of both lands.”

    This poignant reflection reveals Nesryn’s deep personal connection to her roots and her longing for the stories and comfort of her childhood, which now serve as her source of strength and identity.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    How does Nesryn’s experience with the other clans and hearth-mothers reflect her personal growth and adaptation during her time in the mountain region?
    Answer:
    Nesryn’s interactions with the various clans and hearth-mothers demonstrate her evolving understanding of the diverse cultures and leadership styles within the mountain society. Initially, she might have viewed her role as a soldier through a more rigid, formal lens, but her experiences—such as participating in feasts, riding Kadara, and engaging in daily chores—show her embracing a more integrated and humble way of life. Her willingness to learn from the local customs, like the storytelling and singing, and her participation in tasks like cleaning and teaching, reflect her personal growth in humility, adaptability, and openness. This immersion helps her forge genuine connections and understand her new environment beyond official duties.

    2. Question 2

    What is the significance of Nesryn choosing to sing a song from her homeland, and how does this act serve as a bridge between her past and her present?
    Answer:
    Nesryn’s decision to sing a song from her homeland is highly symbolic. It serves as a personal act of sharing her heritage and memories, connecting her with her roots amid unfamiliar surroundings. The song, associated with her mother and her childhood, embodies a longing for her past and a piece of her identity. By sharing it with the mountain folk, Nesryn bridges her former life in Adarlan with her current experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. It also humanizes her beyond her role as a soldier, revealing her vulnerability and cultural depth. This act deepens relationships, especially with Borte and others, and signifies her acceptance of her multifaceted identity.

    3. Question 3

    Analyze Sartaq’s behavior during the storytelling scene. What does his reaction to Nesryn’s singing reveal about his character and leadership style?
    Answer:
    Sartaq’s silent, attentive demeanor as Nesryn sings indicates his respect and appreciation for her sharing a personal part of herself. His stillness suggests he values genuine expression and is moved by her song, which is a rare moment of vulnerability in a leader. This behavior reveals that Sartaq is perceptive, emotionally intelligent, and supportive—traits essential for a leader who leads by example rather than dominance. His quiet presence during the performance underscores his respect for her and the importance he places on cultural and emotional bonds, reinforcing his role as a compassionate and understanding leader who values connection and authenticity.

    4. Question 4

    In what ways does the chapter highlight the theme of cultural exchange and understanding? Provide specific examples.
    Answer:
    The chapter emphasizes cultural exchange through Nesryn’s interactions with the clans, hearth-mothers, and riders, showcasing her participation in their customs, feasts, and daily routines. Her willingness to learn and engage—such as riding Kadara, practicing archery, and sharing her song—illustrates mutual respect and curiosity. The storytelling around the fire, especially Nesryn’s singing of a song from her homeland, symbolizes bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding. These moments contrast with her previous life in Rifthold, emphasizing her adaptation and the importance of cultural exchange in building trust and unity among diverse groups.

    5. Question 5

    Critically evaluate the significance of the scene where Nesryn recalls her childhood and her mother’s song. How does this memory influence her perspective and actions in the chapter?
    Answer:
    The memory of her mother’s song serves as a poignant reminder of Nesryn’s roots, identity, and the simpler, more innocent times of her childhood. It evokes feelings of longing, love, and a connection to her homeland, which she chooses to share with her new community. This act of singing signifies her acceptance of her multifaceted identity—both as a soldier and as someone with deep cultural ties. It influences her perspective by reinforcing the importance of holding onto her heritage, even in unfamiliar surroundings, and demonstrates her resilience. Her willingness to open up emotionally highlights her growth from a guarded individual to someone capable of vulnerability, fostering deeper bonds with her new allies.

    Note