The Prisoner's Throne

In the novel, Black illustrates Oak’s relationship to The Exploration of Identity and Self-Discovery through his power. From an early age, Oak is defined by his charm—both in the literal and figurative sense. Unlike the brute strength or overt magic used by other characters, his power operates through subtlety. His gancanagh heritage, inherited from his mother, Liriope, grants him an innate ability to influence others by swaying emotions, bending wills, and planting desires in the minds of those around him by telling them precisely what they want to hear. 

The ability, while seemingly advantageous, is a source of deep anxiety and self-doubt for Oak, representing his relationship to his identity. It is the tension between who Oak truly is and who he appears to be. As his gift is inherently tied to persuasion and emotional manipulation, it raises the question of the authenticity of his interactions with others, even to himself. If he can compel someone to love or trust him, he cannot be certain which emotions are real. In the flashbacks to his childhood, Oriana warns him about losing himself to it: “You can make people see you the way they want to see you. This seems harmless, but it can be dangerous to become everything a person wants. And more dangerous for you to twist yourself into shapes others choose for you” (183).

While he tries to avoid using it to the full extent of his ability, Oak’s power often leaks out and becomes the mask he wears in courtly life. He plays the role of the charming, carefree prince and manipulates the conspirators into their demise. Despite trying to stay away from his charm, he tends to default to using it, including when Wren’s heart stops in the novel’s climax. He attempts to charm her back to life. However, it is only when he stops trying to use his charm, removes his metaphorical mask, and instead becomes open about his vulnerabilities that he is able to save her.