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Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
Feyre’s Painting
One of Feyre’s great passions is painting. At the beginning of the novel, Feyre paints a charming scene of a rose garden in the Spring Court, full of flower petals and sunlight. When Tamlin enters her bedroom, he compliments the work and describes it as beautiful.” For him, the painting reflects Feyre’s relief and her desire for a fresh start. For Feyre, however, the painting represents deception. Her smile is forced, and her apparent cheer is nothing but a facade. On her return to the Spring Court, she disguises her rage in order to manipulate Tamlin and his allies as part of her plot for revenge. She notes that, if she were to paint her true feelings, the canvas would be full of thorny, choking vines that would more accurately reflect her deep fury at those whom she believes have betrayed her. The bright, happy painting is part of her disguise, a tool that she uses to deceive Tamlin and the others. At this point in the novel, Feyre is entirely dedicated to her goal, even using her art as a tool against those whom she perceives as enemies. Throughout the novel, Feyre tends to look at the world around her through the lens of painting, often imagining how she would title the various scenes she encounters.
The Ouroboros
When the Bone Carver requests that Feyre recover the Ouroboros mirror (previously owned by his sister, the Weaver) from the Court of Nightmares, she learns that the mirror has driven several others mad in the past. Retrieving it, she believes, will prove a fearsome challenge. As Hybern’s troops threaten to overwhelm the united Prythian army, Feyre decides to take the risk and confronts the mirror directly. In a pitch-black room, she sees a mirror that is both clear and dark. As she approaches, she sees a terrifying, clawed monster behind her, but she sees nothing when she turns around. The monster, she realizes, is her true self, reflected in the mirror. The Ouroboros mirror represents the difficulty of confronting one’s true nature. Despite her initial fear, however, Feyre is strong enough to stare at her own monstrous reflection, and further, to accept it. In doing so, Feyre proves to the Carver that she has the strength necessary for self-acceptance.
Feyre’s Crown
Before the meeting of the High Lords of Prythian, Rhysand invites Feyre to select a crown from his collection of crowns and other treasures hidden in the House of Winds. For him, it is important that Feyre choose her own crown, one that reflects her own tastes and attitudes. Looking over the collection of crowns, each one unique, she selects a silver crown covered in sparkling diamonds. The crown represents Rhysand’s deep respect for Feyre as a partner and co-ruler. Instead of picking a crown out for her, he encourages Feyre to foster her own sense of individuality. By wearing a crown to the meeting of the High Lords, Feyre publicly takes her place as High Lady of the Night Court, a position with no equivalent in the other courts, all of which are ruled by men. Feyre and Rhysand are unique among the leaders of Prythian in sharing the throne, as partners and equals.
The Town House
Most of the High Lords of Prythian live in grand palaces, attended by numerous servants in a state of high pomp and ceremony. Tamlin, for example, maintains strict order in his court, creating a clear sense of hierarchy in which he maintains power over his friends, allies, and subjects alike. Rhysand, however, has a very different attitude. Though he maintains the House of Winds as his “official” residence, he and Feyre spend most of their time living in the more casual Town House, where their friends and other loved ones can mingle with them in a more relaxed fashion. Their preference for the Town House reflects the more egalitarian spirit with which Rhysand and Feyre intend to rule the Night Court. For them, it is important to receive honest and frank advice and criticism from their Inner Circle, without respect to strict hierarchies or traditions.
