In the first installment, the main characters are aware of where they stand regarding good versus evil and their inner motives. But in this installment, everything is blurred, as Jace and Clary have to grapple with their identities since their father Valentine is termed as the epitome of evil. Therefore the concept of nature versus nurture makes them question who they are in the spectrum of things particularly Jace. However, for Clary, she grew up a mortal so her battle is more about adjusting into the Shadow world as a Shadowhunter. As her powers advance, she becomes exceptional with her ability to summon runes by herself. Therefore her plotline is about a heroine coming into herself and starting to be familiar with her new identity.
Furthermore, the forbidden love between Jace and Clary and the subsequent love triangle with Simon is at the center of their choices. The affection between Jace and Clary is alive but unspoken until mystical circumstance assures that Clary desires Jace’s love. This revelation brings forth tension between them as Simon is jealous and Clary does not wish to lose him either. Thus acting as a metaphor to Clary’s attachment to the human world through Simon and living out her new supernatural identity through Jace. Clary’s conflict with her human life and supernatural side is evident which finds Simon caught in the middle of all these, as he becomes part of their world.
Despite new developments, treachery, suspicions, and unrequited love, the installment still focuses on the main motif of good versus evil. The narrative introduces another Mortal Instrument, the soul Sword, into the story to tie together the plotlines in subsequent installments. As Valentine's efforts to initiate his evil plans, the Shadowhunters fight towards preventing them since they match up to the adversaries. This world of the supernatural, violence, and distrust is still defined by family and love as the spirit of protecting our treasured ones from the cruel world lives on.
