Simon the Coldheart · Chapter
How the Lady Margaret Could Not Stab Him explained
Lady Margaret attempts to stab Simon while he writes, but he calmly instructs her on where to strike, causing her to falter and drop the dagger.
What happens
Lady Margaret attempts to stab Simon while he writes, but he calmly instructs her on where to strike, causing her to falter and drop the dagger. She vows revenge, and later confides in Jeanne de Faucourt, who urges submission. Margaret resolves to escape and prove herself against Simon.
Themes in this chapter
Love as Warfare
Margaret's hatred and desire to stab Simon are intertwined with a growing, conflicted attraction; their exchanges are charged with tension.
Coldness vs. Passion
Simon's icy composure contrasts with Margaret's fiery emotions; he remains unmoved while she trembles and weeps.
Power and Conquest
Simon asserts his dominance over Margaret, both physically and psychologically, vowing to conquer her.
Characters to notice
- Lady Margaret of Belrémy
Attempts to stab Simon but cannot bring herself to do it; later weeps and vows revenge.
- Simon the Coldheart
Calmly detects Margaret's approach and taunts her to strike; asserts his dominance.
- Jeanne de Faucourt
Comforts Margaret and advises submission; reveals her fondness for Geoffrey.
- Alan of Montlice
Intervenes briefly, still wounded; warns Simon of Margaret's fierceness.
- Geoffrey of Malvallet
Mentioned as having been braved by Margaret and as half-brother to Simon.
Key passages
“Strike where the neck joins the shoulder, my lady.”
Simon calmly instructs Margaret on the best place to stab him.
Demonstrates Simon's unflappable courage and psychological control.
“I could not slay him! I could not slay him! Oh, he is a devil, a devil!”
Margaret weeps in frustration after failing to kill Simon.
Reveals Margaret's inner turmoil and her inability to follow through with violence.
“Conquer her.”
Simon states his intention to subdue Margaret completely.
Foreshadows the ongoing power struggle between them.