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.
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
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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.
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