Throne of Glass

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Maas’s fantasy novel is filled with romance and action. What were some of your favorite moments? How do the author’s choices build suspense and intrigue?
• One of the most important dynamics is the love triangle between Celaena, Dorian, and Chaol. Who do you think makes a better partner for the protagonist and why?
• How does Throne of Glass compare to other works by Sarah J. Maas or other fantasy books with a romance element in general? How does this novel stand out from similar stories?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Celaena is motivated by a desire for freedom, but she doesn’t deny the blood on her hands. How does the protagonist’s moral complexity impact your perception of her? If, as Maas posits, even good people are capable of evil deeds, how do you decide whether someone is morally good or evil? Do you think an action’s righteousness or wickedness depends on intentions, impact, or a combination of the two? 
• One of the novel’s major themes is moral compromise in the battle between good and evil. Chaol condemns killing, but he slays Cain to save Celaena at the end of the story. Do you have a moral code by which you try to live? Has an experience made you reexamine your beliefs or made you realize that ethics are more nuanced than you previously thought?
• One of Celeana’s main struggles is her battle for freedom. Does her resistance to oppression make her more sympathetic to you? Have you ever faced an obstacle to your agency? How did you respond? 
• As is conventional in young adult novels, Throne of Glass contains a love triangle between Celaena, Dorian, and Chaol. What did you think of the ways that Maas subverts this convention by prioritizing respect and trust over physical attraction? What qualities do you consider essential for a successful relationship and why?

3. Societal and Cultural Context 

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• Celaena battles for personal freedom against corrupt and oppressive authorities. How might her struggle resonate with those fighting against misogyny and disenfranchisement today? 
• Romantic fantasy, also known as romantasy, is a sweepingly popular literary trend. Discuss Maas’s prominence in this genre. How does Throne of Glass help to explain romantasy’s appeal?

4. Literary Analysis 

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• How does knowing that Throne of Glass is loosely based on Cinderella impact your reading of the text? How does Maas’s protagonist differ from traditional depictions of the fairy tale character, and what does this reveal about the novel’s overall meaning?
• What do the glass castle and the clock tower symbolize? How does Maas use these settings to develop the novel’s tone, suspense, and the themes of moral compromise and resistance to oppression?
• How does Celaena fit the tropes of Lost Queen and Chosen One? How do these roles impact her characterization and her development over the course of the novel? How do concepts of freedom and destiny intersect in this fantasy, and what point does the author make through this connection?
• Compare and contrast Celeana’s ultimate reason for becoming Champion with her initial motives for entering the tournament. What does this reveal about her growth over the course of the novel?
• In what ways is Dorian’s character arc a bildungsroman? How does his relationship with Celaena help him to mature, and why is it significant that the author ends their romantic relationship during the novel’s resolution?
• How does Nehemia serve as a foil to Dorian? How does her character embody the novel’s theme of resistance to oppression?

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• In 2016, Disney announced plans to develop a television adaptation of the Throne of Glass series. Who would you cast for the show, and what moments and elements from this novel would you most like to see onscreen?
• Create a playlist for Throne of Glass. What songs would you choose to capture Celaena’s perspective, personality, and adventures?

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