We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

Duty Quotes in City of Bones

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

"The Law is hard, but it is the Law." (7.99)

And Jace and the other Shadowhunters must adhere to it. No questions asked.

Quote #2

"My oath to the Covenant binds me," [Jace] said. "No such oath binds you." (8.60)

Here, Jace is telling Clary that she can tell Simon all about the Clave, etc., because she isn't forbidden to do so. We have a feeling that Jace wouldn't tell Simon anything even if he had a gun pointed at his head. There are some rules you just don't break.

Quote #3

"I thought the Clave was pledged to protect people." (10.83)

Sure, that pledge sounds a lot like a law, designed to get the Shadowhunters to do their duty. But things get grayer when you consider the fact that who falls into the category of "people" is debatable.