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Chapter Fourteen
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Children of Blood and Bone, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Prejudice and Inequality
Duty to Family vs. Self
Faith and Tradition
Cycles of Violence
Summary
Analysis
As Amari, Tzain, and Zélie clamber up a mountainside, Amari reminisces about Binta. With a pang, she remembers their dream to travel the world together, a dream that will never be realized.
As a divîner and servant, Binta was looked down upon by Amari’s family. But Amari recognizes that Binta was a true friend and a beautiful soul, which is far more important to Amari than her family’s long-held prejudices.
Themes
As they rest on a ledge, they suddenly see broken human skulls among the grass. As Zélie touches one, a chill passes through the group, and Zélie says she can see the life of the man who died. It must be a sign of magic. Sure enough, they soon come upon Chândomblé. It is a series of ruined temples.
As a way of stamping out the divîners and completely suppressing their power, Saran not only committed genocide, but also destroyed meeting places and religious sites like Chândomblé, which could be sources of strength for the community.
Themes
Leaving Nailah outside, the Zélie, Amari, and Tzain enter a metal temple that is still standing. In the dark passageway, their torches are suddenly extinguished. A hiss of air surrounds them, clouding their thoughts. Just as they realize it is poison, the three collapse and black out.
Chândomblé should be a safe place, but, in light of a world where violence and conquest are the norm, it is necessary for the temple to be heavily safeguarded.
Themes
