Elain is a thing of secret, lovely beauty and SJM has spent 4 books asking for readers to pay closer attention
A part of me finds it amusing that the Elain haters are missing the key point SJM has repeatedly made about Elain. It’s something even Cassian recognizes in Silver Flames. Her sisters, who love her and have spent the most time with her, are unreliable narrators when it comes to Elain. They either get her intentions wrong (loyal dog in Nesta’s case) or are repeatedly surprised when she doesn’t break down into tears or faints during difficult situations (Feyre’s case). Her haters find her boring and bland because she’s intentionally been painted that way to be brushed aside and forgotten for a reason. The previous POVs aren’t paying attention to her and that’s why she has the most potential to play with.
ACOTAR 6-8 is meant to surprise the reader about Elain. She is a thing of secret, lovely beauty that few truly see because they see her at surface value only. She’s meant to be boxed in as the bland, pretty girl with nothing else to offer so that we, together with the inner court, are shocked by her power and inner depth.
SJM gives us a few glimpses and clues into that depth, reminding us to take notice. Some examples:
Bravery, strength and self worth:
“And that entitles him to my time, my affections?”
“I went into the Cauldron too”
There’s a reason SJM gave her the KoH stabbing rights and wanted her to be an active, brave participant in her rescue. She’s literally hitting us over the head here saying that Elain is not a delicate flower. She’s more. Take notice!
Aside from showing her temper with wishing the queens burn in hell and her fight with Nesta, she is also unbothered by the High Lord and his second-in-command. She waves her hand in dismissal at Rhys’ commanding question in Silver Flames and holds her ground with Amren in Frost and Starlight.
More insightful than expected:
Cassian recognized that she wasn’t the loyal dog Nesta painted her out to be but paid attention and understood the social complexities around her. She also figured out the pregnancy before anyone else and understands Azriel better than those closest to him. I’m looking forward to reading about her breaking free of the shallow box her mother put her in.
Lucien clearly sees her with new eyes when she turns out to be a seer, which reinforces why they’re ill-suited. As her mate, all he saw was a pretty face and nothing more.
We know Eris is playing 3D chess and I’m pretty sure he was assessing the Kingslayer and the fae who is equal in power to his future high lord brother at the Court of Nightmares.
I, personally, can’t wait to meet the IMAX, full-scale Elain as SJM intended her to be viewed.
