Welcome to Day 4 of the Clockwork Prince Read Along. You can follow the entire read-a-long and find each of the day's posts here. Remember there's no right or wrong way to participate. Your comments can be as long or a short as you'd like them to be. You can answer one or each of the questions asked, it's totally up to you, BUT, in order to be entered into the CP giveaway (which you also had to sign up to win), you do need to be actively participating in the read-a-long.
Today's discussion is about: Chapter 4
- I find the quotes Cassie's uses with each chapter fascinating and fitting given they often give us a hint about what we can find in each chapter. I love the quote w/ this chapter, "Friendship is one mind in two bodies."- Meng-tzu I immediately thought of Will and Jem. In this chapter we learn what means their bond, parabatai, means. Why do you feel it was significant for us to better understand Will and Jem's bond?
- I love Will and Tessa's bantering in this chapter. I've read/re-read CP a few times now, but on this re-read it dawned me, that even though Tessa loves both Jem and Will, I can finally see the differences in that love she has for both guys. It's the different ways she displays her mannerisms towards both Jem and Will up to this point, that made me see that. Has anyone else picked up on that?
- I have to admit I'm a little surprised over Gideon's comments to his brother Gabriel in talking about Charlotte and why they're there. Up until this point I haven't much cared for either of them, but I'm curious to get to know more about Gideon. What do you guys think about him?
- What do you make of Jem telling Tessa about Shadowhunter marriages? I feel like there's a reason why Jem felt the need to explain how they work, and how a Shadowhunter could ever marry a mundane, given the chance that, that would ever happen.
Please DO NOT POST SPOILERS. There's some fans who are joining the read-a-long who are reading Clockwork Prince for the first time.
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~I somewhat feel that their parabatai bond was a selfish act on Will's part--he knew Jem was dying, and he knew that whatever is going on with him wouldn't affect Jem. But it does show that Will is capable of love, as he cares deeply for Jem; and Jem is able to push past everything Will does, for some reason, because he knows there is something dark within Will that haunts him.
ReplyDelete~I have noticed the way Tessa acts around both boys--with Will, it's a sort of heated desire, but with Jem, it's more gentle.
~I love Gideon, and I'm wondering if any of his actions in the Infernal Devices lead up to the fact that Alec's middle name is Gideon.
~Even though the whole proposal was just to fool Starkweather, I was smiling like an idiot when I read Jem explaining Shadowhunter marriages to Tessa--and when he gave her his Carstairs family ring! It was adorable.
I love the Meng-tzu quote. After hearing it I immediately wanted to call my friends and tell them about it. I think it fits so well with Jem and Will and lead perfectly to them having a parabatai bond. I belive that even without the bond Jem and Will care for each other enough to die for the other, the bond just makes it official.
ReplyDeleteI fell Tessa is more on guard with Will. She's more passionate and fiery and he can get to her like no one else can, whereas with Jem their relationship is sweeter. Not as much passion and desire, but more calming and reassuring.
After hearing Gideon's outburst I am so curious about both of the brothers and their intentions. I can't wait to learn what that arguement/comment was all about.
The whole shadowhunter marrying a mundane thing felt a little pushed to me. I felt like Jem was almost lying it all on the table for Tessa. I think it went way beyond just an act and felt like he was almost staking a claim.
My favourite part was the journey. Even though, most of Will's comments were not very jolly especially towards Tessa I love how he interacts. But OMG at Jem. He wanted Tessa to know about the marriages so adorable neverthless and Will's reaction when he brought up the whole finace idea uh oh
ReplyDeleteI love her quotes and i agree that they give us some clue over what is happening or what is to happen. This quote in particular about Jem and Will show s how strong their bond is. they are more than friends because they are willing to die for each other. They are connected in such a way that they are able to protect and understand each other unlike any other person. Both boys are so different and Cassie does a great in pointing this out in both her descriptions and dialogues. yet they are connected and made whole by each other. Each is the half of the other.
ReplyDeleteI was able to see the difference in the way Tessa loves the boys. Tessas love for Jem is gentle, sweet, and caring. What she feels for Will on the other hand is fiery, passionate, desire. She loves him in such a way that she wishes to understand him. She cares for him, but it goes beyond that because she knows that Will hold s a secret that has left him broken. she feels with all her being when she is with Will. Tessas live for Jem is sincere, is knowing. she knows that Jem will not hurt her.
I didn't really care about Gabriel and Gideon because i thought they were the bad guys, but Gideon s words have changed my mind. Gideon truly loves his brother and is only there because of him. he knows his father is not the good guy when he says that he knows things about their father. maybe there is more to both Gabriel and Gideon.
I think Cassie put that there for a reason to explain it to us. i felt that Jem was being a little personal. i also thought it was so sweet and cut e when he gave Tessa his ring. i loved how we got a description of Will s family ring too. Also Jem came up with the ring pretty quickly almost like he planned it.
* I love that quote. I think that its important for Tessa to learn of the bond Jem and Will have. I also think that it's good for us to know just how much they care for each other.
ReplyDelete*I definitely see the different ways that Tessa cares for Jem and Will. I think I am picking up on a lot more this re-read also.
*I don't really care for either Gabriel or Gideon, but I think that maybe being in Madrid was good for Gideon and perhaps he discovered things there that his brother doesn't know about.
*I think Jem was pretty sneaky with the whole fake fiancé thing, but it was sweet. It's obvious that he cares for her and maybe was trying to see her reaction to all the information.
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ReplyDeleteSuch a fun and informative chapter. The quote speaks volumes about Jem and Will's connection. I feel as though their bond will go beyond this plane.
ReplyDeleteThe banter here... oh goodness, this chapter had me in stitches. Too many great lines to note and count. It's obvious that what Tessa feels for Will is about passion and fire. Jem has a place in her heart as well but it's quite different and of that I am sure Will is aware.
Gideon is proving to be quite interesting. Perhaps he becomes a true ally.
Learning of the marriage rules was enlightening. I'm not sure what to make of Jem's motivations here. Very sneaky.
I love the Meng-tzu quote, it's very fitting for what Jem and Will have. Knowing more about parabatai and what it means to be one and have one is something that I think would make us understand better Jem and Will. They show how much one can truly become another's brother without sharing the same blood.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed even in CA how differently Tessa acts around either boys. With Jem, it's softer, gentle. They always have this moment where they say things they wouldn't have shared with others. They're always open and honest and with them you just know they mean what they say. With Will however, it's either they're talking about books or bantering with sarcastic remarks and such. With Will, it's somehow always fierce and tension-filled.
Gideon is definitely a Lightwoods I'm more interested in knowing. I just know there's more to him and I cannot it to see what it it really about him..
Jem always tells Tessa some things she doesn't know about Nephilim. I didn't find it surprising that he would explain that one too although I do think there's more to it this time. And for someone like Jem who may not have very long to live, I think marriage for him is something even more meaningful.. But Williams's reaction, uh oh..
I love the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I think it's important for Tessa and the reader to understand the bond between parabatai because I think it foreshadows the sacrifice one is wiling to give for the other.
ReplyDeleteI can see how Tessa reacts differently to Jem and Will, but I'm also noticing a very subtle shift in her observations of them, too.
I'm hoping that Gideon is a Lightwood with some integrity. So far, not impressed with Izzy and Alec's ancestors! I hope Gabriel will listen to him because it sounds like Gideon returned from Spain for Gabriel's sake.
Jem's idea to pretend that he and Tessa are engaged and that she is ascending was obviously premeditated, and it seems too convenient that he came up with the ruse so quickly. He also isn't merely trying to educate Tessa about Shadowhunter culture, either. That's all I can say for now.....
Well…if these two have a falling out over Tessa, it looks like they’ll be stuck with each other regardless of any negative feelings. Parabatai for life. It seems inevitable that two people sharing the same soul as the lore puts it, would fall in love for the same girl. I wonder if this happens a lot, or if parabatai fall for each other a lot. Look at how Alec felt about Jace… Then there’s the possibility that if Jem dies, Will would feel like he’s lost himself, losing half his strength and so much more. Maybe even lose his love for Tessa. That could have undesirable ramifications. Then there’s the possibility that either Will or Jem must sacrifice himself for the other by the end of all this, and with all the A Tale of Two Cities references, things aren’t boding too well for Team Sydney/Will. That could be potentially problematic…
ReplyDeleteTessa does treat Will and Jem differently. She’s definitely kinder to Jem, but that’s mostly because he never needs scolding. The tension between Will and Tessa though is so tangible you could cut it with a butter knife. For me, the difference in Tessa’s affections for the boys really comes through in her thoughts or descriptions of either young man. She’s head over heels in love with Will, but her love for Jem is far more subtle.
I hope Gideon turns out a better man than his father. And I would love to get to know more about him. I’m beyond willing to fall for a Lightwood guy. I’m more concerned with Benedict at this point though. What secrets has he been keeping and why does Gideon know about them but not Gabriel? How to Gideon even find out his father’s secrets?
I didn’t even know a mundane could Ascend into Shadowhunter ranks, so that bit of information was undoubtedly interesting to know! I thought a mundane marriage was just forbidden, but I remember reading TMI and wondering why they couldn’t just turn some formidable and deserving mundanes into Shadowhunters with the Mortal Cup, like Simon before well…you know. So to find out that it’s actually an option is eye-opening! What do you have to do to be good enough to Ascend into the Clave? Who in the Clave was once a mundane or descendant of an Acendant? Why did Will’s mother not attempt to join the Clave, or if she did, why did she fail to Ascend? So many new questions! And, of course, perhaps Jem has hopes for Tessa, real plans for his family ring to stay on her finger. That is if she is a mundane, although I’m starting to think she’s a clockwork contraption herself. That’s my theory anyway…
Charlotte was very endearing in this chapter and I loved how Henry was there for her, encouraging her to succeed. Bridget on the other hand, has me even more nervous than when she was first introduced. What Institute did she come from that made her so twisted? I’m trying to figure out what those songs could foreshadow but so far all I got is Tessa and her brother for that first little snippet, and perhaps something to do with Will…he’s father was named Edmund and that’s close to Edward?
Will really seems to be throwing caution to the wind at this point. He really can’t stay away from Tessa. He’s given her a book of his recommendation, with a love note attached. And Tessa has played to treat it insignificant. Smart for Tessa, but disheartening for Will. I can’t help but wonder if Will has worked things out with Magnus. Or maybe just working with Magnus is giving Will more hope that things could be better. I also found Will’s comment about jealousy interestingly placed, seeing as how Jem and Will are both falling for the same girl and Jem is posing as Tessa’s fiancé with Will present. Tessa doesn’t seem to agree with him on the romantic prospects of jealously. The way things are headed, Tessa isn’t going to like the choice she’s going to have to make.
And Will’s statement about charming Starkweather had me grinning from ear to ear. His jokes always put a smile on my face.
Oh my goodness, you make some good points and excellent observations.
DeleteLet me try this again, I couldn't post from my phone last night for the life of me :$
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of this chapter is the Will and Jem interaction, it's clear how much they understand each other and how much - like the quote at the begging of the chapter describes- of the same soul they are. They may not be able to reach each other's minds like Tessa asked but they sure can read the feelings on each other faces, the interaction with each other as we go along gives us more and more evidence of how deeply they love each other and how much they meant to each other.
Will's inner struggle as usual breaks my heart :(
To see how hard he tries to stay to away from her and to be indifferent though it is practically impossible for him, sometimes I wish we had many of these chapter in his point of view so that we could hear what's going in his head when he talks to Tessa or even when he looks at her.
I remember the first time I read this book, this chapter was the chapter that made me think Gideon Lightwood would play an important role in what was to come, he spoke as if he knew things that Gabriel wasn't aware of and that obviously he didn't approve of or agree with...
Well you can see by the deletions I also have trouble posting from my phone. Lol.
DeleteLove your comments on the parabati. It is something to see the way the two interact. Makes me look forward to Jace and Alec. They definitely complete each other and it is disheartening to think one might lose the other.
* I think this qoute is very true and it fits very well for parabatai bond. I always feel that I love Jem's and Will's bond more interesting and more beautiful than the love between them and Tessa. Because there are lots of great love stories but a true friendship is much more interesting to me. Jem and Will is like two puzzles. I think the Infernal Devices is not just about love, it's about friendship, as well. And we know more and more about it, too. And that's why it's important to know more about the parabatai bond. And there is this love triangle, and Tessa must know what she's into.
ReplyDelete* It is very true. Tessa's very different with Jem and Will. With Jem she feels safe, and with Will she feels passion, I think.
* I wasn't suprised over Gideon's comments. It shows that he's not a fool, he understands this whole situation. And he's not blinde to believe his father without thinking. I'm curious what he's going to do if he doesn't agree with Benedict.
* I didn't think to that but you are probably right. We can feel that Jem loves Tessa, and he is dying, so he have not much time. If he wants to do something he should not wait. And in 1800's it means proposal. So...
Mercédesz Mihóczy
mihoczym@freemail.hu
This quote is briliant. I love that Will and Jem care for each other. This parabatai thing is very interesting I would like to know more about it.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's funny because Tessa feels herself happy with both of the boys. Is she luckiest or unluckiest?
Well, Gideon is likeable now. I love that Gabriel and Will hate each other but Jace and Alek are parabatai. Maybe Gideon will be the man who change that hatred. I'm looking forward Gideon's future.
I think Jem not just a king boy. He is wily. He had a plan for Tessa and I liked it. The nephilims are complicate.
Will and Jem's bond is kind of a mystery. They're quite the opposite and frankly Charlotte wasn't sure if Will would open up to anyone, let alone a boy from Shanghai. But as the story goes on, we will probably encounter more than just the meaning or maybe deeper means of being a parabatai. We may know the meaning but maybe this parabatai thing is much deeper than just the meaning itself. Will and Jem are very close in a way that only they both understand. Maybe because Will had a curse and Jem is dying that their bond goes beyond parabatai.
ReplyDeleteI've picked up the different affection Tessa has for Will and Jem. Cassie does an exceptional job in each emotional description wether displayed on their faces or what goes through their minds. I watch their feelings unfold. It's like you can see the exact way Tessa acts and feels towards each guy individually and when they are all in the same room together. When she chooses, I hope she chooses for LOVE.
Gideon seems like the more mature, nice guy who isn't clouded by gossips and rumors or prejudice. He doesn't seem as open as well; like he's holding something back and the way he speaks to his brother about the reason that he's back is for Gabriel.. He's definitely hiding something. Maybe he really cares for his lil brother, maybe something has happened and he's trying to protect Gabriel.
Given the fact of how they look at each other, and to us how they feel about one another, I think Jem's hinting to marriage as a possibility. It's not impossible, it's just difficult knowing the circumstance (Jem's dying and Tessa can't have children if she's actually a warlock of some sort) and all between both parties and the Shadowhunter world.