Chapter 29: Simon and Baz Decide to Hunt for the New Chosen One
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Simon and Baz take the London Underground to visit Lady Salisbury, a Normal woman who claims to have insight into the magical world. Simon is self-conscious about his wings, which he now keeps folded tightly against his back, but Baz reassures him that people only see a slightly odd posture, not wings. During the visit, Lady Salisbury seems lucid and not deranged, though she hints at connections between Baz’s stepmother Daphne and the mysterious Smith-Richards—the person believed to be the next Chosen One. On the return Tube ride, Simon convinces a reluctant Baz to come back to his flat rather than face his aunt. Baz complains about Simon’s lack of furniture, towels, and cutlery, but Simon insists his mattress counts as a bed. As they discuss the meeting, Simon admits he didn’t think Lady Salisbury was barmy, and Baz agrees, adding that Daphne might be caught up in it. The chapter ends with Simon stating they have to meet the new Chosen One, and Baz nodding in agreement.
Key Events
- Simon and Baz travel via Tube to Mayfair to see Lady Salisbury.
- Simon feels awkward about his wings, but Baz points out that people simply see an unusual shape, not wings.
- Their encounter with Lady Salisbury does not convince either of them that she is insane; instead, they find her credible.
- Baz suggests that his stepmother Daphne may be involved in the unfolding mystery surrounding the new Chosen One, Smith-Richards.
- On the journey home, Simon persuades Baz to stay at his flat instead of returning to his aunt’s house.
- Baz lists the inadequacies of Simon’s bare-bones flat (no sofa, no food, no towels, only a mattress).
- The two agree that they must find and meet the new Chosen One.
Character Development
- Simon Snow: Shows growth in his acceptance of his own body. Though still self-conscious about his wings, he trusts Baz’s reassurance and no longer expects an attack (no holy water thrown). He is also the initiator of plans—pushing Baz to come home with him and suggesting they actively seek out Smith-Richards.
- Baz Pitch: Displays his characteristic dry wit and high standards, but he is also vulnerable. Reluctant to face his aunt, he chooses Simon’s uncomfortable flat over family drama. His blushing (or the lack of a visible change) and quiet smile show he values Simon’s company.
- Lady Salisbury: Introduced as a Normal woman who is coherent and sensible, contrasting with any assumption that magical Normals are delusional. She becomes a resource, not a threat.
- Daphne (off‑page): Baz suspects she is entangled in the events around Smith-Richards, adding a layer of suspicion to his stepmother’s role.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- The Mundane vs. the Magical: The Tube journey itself grounds the magical characters in a very ordinary, public setting. Simon’s fear that everyone sees his wings contrasts with Baz’s reminder that “bodies come in different shapes”—a small, mundane truth that defuses magic‑based panic.
- Home and Hospitality: The contrast between Baz’s expectation of a proper home (sofa, cutlery, towels) and Simon’s bare mattress flat becomes a symbol of the different upbringings they had. Simon’s willingness to share his sparse space is an act of trust.
- The Quest for the Chosen One: The mystery of Smith-Richards continues. This chapter marks a shift from passive investigation (visiting a Normal) to active pursuit: Simon declares they “have to meet” the new Chosen One, setting the plot in motion.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 29 serves as a turning point in the narrative’s pacing. After chapters spent gathering information and dealing with personal conflicts, Simon and Baz finally commit to tracking down the new Chosen One. The chapter also deepens their relationship: Simon’s flat, though barren, becomes a refuge for Baz, and their easy banter (the mattress exchange) shows comfort with one another. Additionally, Baz’s suspicion of Daphne introduces a family‑sized mystery that will likely unfold alongside the main plot. The scene on the Tube quietly affirms that Simon is learning to live with his changed body, a running subplot of his character arc.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Simon feel self‑conscious on the Tube, and how does Baz respond?
Simon thinks people are staring because they can see his folded wings. Baz points out that no one jumps to that conclusion—they just see a different body shape. Baz’s line “Bodies come in different shapes” normalizes Simon’s appearance, helping Simon feel less like a freak.
2. What do Simon and Baz conclude about Lady Salisbury after meeting her?
Both agree she is not crazy. Simon says he “liked her” (partly because she fed him), and Baz shakes his head, agreeing that she isn’t barmy. Baz also thinks Daphne might be implicated in whatever Lady Salisbury is involved in.
3. What decision do Simon and Baz make at the end of the chapter, and why is it significant?
They decide they have to meet the new Chosen One (Smith-Richards). This is significant because it shifts their efforts from investigating rumors to actively seeking out a person who may be central to the story’s conflict.