City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare- Synthesis Page

Critical Thinking Question: What really hard things are happening in the text? Are these things happening in the world now? Where?

Hard Things Happening in Text	Evidence
Neglected Child- This happens everywhere in the world and doesn’t stop.	Sebastian was raised and abused by Valentine. Valentine wasn’t affectionate towards Sebastian and just wanted him to be a soldier. Jocelyn can’t love Sebastian because of the demon blood running through his and all of the things he’s done. (Page 262)
Stereotyping- This happens everywhere as well against homosexuals, black people, Hispanics etc.	The Council, the government of Shadowhunters, thins all who have faerie blood in them will betray them because of the Seelie Court’s, a division of faeries, betrayal. (Page 677)
Unfair Punishment/Judgment- This happens everywhere in the world with parents and their children, teachers and students, bosses and their employees etc.	Helen is being punished because she is part faerie. The Council thinks her loyalty needs to be questioned even though she stood and fought with Shadowhunters against faeries. (Page 677)

New Understandings/ Thoughts

·       I think had Sebastian been raised with Jocelyn and Valentine showed more affection towards him that he wouldn’t have done all of the terrible things he’s done, such as massacring Shadowhunters, werewolves, and hurting families for entertainment, regardless of the fact that he has demon blood running through his veins.

·       I think that the Council is letting the Seelie Court’s betrayal is effecting their judgment and them punishing Helen and stopping the hunt for Mark Blackthorn is a result of this.

·       Things that have happen in the real world can also be carried over and happen in a supernatural world as well. The book isn’t just about fighting demons and rogue Downworlders (Werewolves, vampires, etc.). There are a lot of underlying issues and social issues happening.

·       All of the hard things I listed are a cause and effect sequence. Sebastian being unloved and neglected as a child led him to doing terrible things. The stereotyping and unfair punishment/ judgment come from the betrayal of the Seelie Court.