Prejudice

The Drüskelle’s hatred of the Grisha shows how dangerous prejudice can be on a person’s mental state. Furthermore, Jarl Brum’s obsession is what shows Matthias that he needs to rethink his own biases.

It is clear from the beginning of the novel that Grisha are repressed and treated with disdain. The worst of this is from the Fjerdans. At the beginning of the novel, all Matthias can think about is killing Nina. And while this is mostly in part to her supposed betrayal, there is also a layer of innate prejudice. We know this because of what Matthias’ mentor, Jarl Brum, tells Nina and the other Grisha when he captures them. He says, “You are an insult to Djel… a blight on this earth. You speak peace, but what of your children to whom you may pass on this demonic power… I...