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    Oathbringer

    by Sanderson, Brandon
    Oathbringer, the third book in Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive series, is an epic fantasy novel set on the planet Roshar. It follows Dalinar Kholin as he confronts his past, unravels ancient secrets, and strives to unite warring factions against existential threats. The story explores themes of leadership, memory, and redemption amid catastrophic conflicts and mystical revelations, advancing the series’ intricate world-building and character development.
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    Oathbringer

    9. The Threads of a Screw

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter opens with Shal­lan reflect­ing on her new sta­tus as Bright­ness Radi­ant, which grants her a sense of inclu­sion in sig­nif­i­cant events, con­trast­ing her pre­vi­ous out­sider sta­tus. Amidst the chaos of an inves­ti­ga­tion into a mur­der, she observes the scene with a mix­ture of curios­i­ty and exhaus­tion, espe­cial­ly after using her Storm­light sup­ply on a map that dis­in­te­grat­ed. Her per­spec­tive offers insight into her feel­ings of being both a par­tic­i­pant and an out­sider in the tense envi­ron­ment of the palace and the ongo­ing polit­i­cal and mil­i­tary tur­moil.

    As the inves­ti­ga­tion pro­gress­es, the scene shifts to the dis­cov­ery of a mur­dered lighteyed offi­cer, Vedekar Per­el, found in a cham­ber with pecu­liar struc­tur­al fea­tures resem­bling a screw thread. The body bears signs of a bru­tal fight, with a pre­cise and dis­turb­ing kill—stabbed through the eye—mirroring the ear­li­er death of High­prince Sadeas. This pat­tern sug­gests a delib­er­ate and method­i­cal killer, rais­ing fears that the mur­ders are inter­con­nect­ed and pos­si­bly orches­trat­ed by a sin­gle per­pe­tra­tor, which alarms the char­ac­ters and com­pli­cates their under­stand­ing of the threat.

    Dali­nar, Navani, and their guards exam­ine the crime scene, not­ing the sim­i­lar­i­ties in the method of mur­der and the room’s unusu­al archi­tec­ture, which includes stone sculp­tures resem­bling spouts and a bathing cham­ber. Navani’s detailed obser­va­tions under­score the metic­u­lous nature of the killer’s work, hint­ing at a lev­el of intel­li­gence and intent behind the mur­ders. The scene high­lights the unset­tling pre­ci­sion with which the killer oper­ates, adding a lay­er of men­ace to an already tense polit­i­cal land­scape, and empha­siz­ing the dif­fi­cul­ty of uncov­er­ing the per­pe­tra­tor amidst ongo­ing chaos.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with Dalinar’s lead­er­ship focus shift­ing to the broad­er threat fac­ing Roshar, as he orders the with­draw­al of troops and the dis­sem­i­na­tion of warn­ings to poten­tial allies. Mean­while, Shallan’s inter­ac­tions with Renar­in and Adolin reveal her inter­nal ten­sion and her aware­ness of the dan­ger­ous envi­ron­ment around her. Dalinar’s somber reflec­tion on the loss of most inves­tiga­tive per­son­nel under­scores the grav­i­ty of the sit­u­a­tion, where the mur­der inves­ti­ga­tion becomes just one facet of a much larg­er, exis­ten­tial con­flict that demands their full atten­tion and resilience.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What significance does Shallan’s new status as “Brightness Radiant” have for her role in the investigation, and how does it reflect her social standing?

      Answer:
      Shallan’s elevation to “Brightness Radiant” signifies a notable change in her social standing, as it grants her a respected and expected presence in important events. Unlike before, when she might have been overlooked or considered out of place, her new title ensures she is included in significant moments, such as the investigation of the murder. This status reflects her recognized importance and perhaps her growing influence within the societal hierarchy. It also allows her to observe and participate in critical affairs without suspicion or dismissal, highlighting how her role is evolving from an outsider to a key observer in the political and military landscape.

      2. How does the description of the murder scene and the killer’s methods deepen the mystery, and what clues suggest about the killer’s intentions?

      Answer:
      The murder scene, with the victim stabbed through the eye and positioned similarly to the death of Highprince Sadeas, indicates a deliberate and symbolic pattern. Navani’s observation that the positioning and puncturing are “exactly” like Sadeas’s death suggests the killer is intentionally recreating previous murders to send a message or establish a pattern. The detailed description of the chamber—particularly the spiraling strata and the bathhouse setting—adds an eerie, ritualistic tone. The killer’s methods imply a calculated, possibly ritualistic motive, aiming to evoke fear or send a message through symbolic acts. The repeated pattern also hints at a personal or ideological motive behind the murders, making the case more complex and sinister.

      3. How does Dalinar’s response to the murder scene and his subsequent actions reveal his leadership style and priorities?

      Answer:
      Dalinar’s calm yet authoritative response—immediately sending for reinforcements, instructing the soldiers to maintain the perimeter, and planning to inform Sebarial—demonstrates his pragmatic and responsible leadership style. He prioritizes containment and communication over panic, recognizing the importance of controlling the situation while addressing the larger threat facing Roshar. His focus on the investigation amid looming political and military crises shows a leader committed to justice and security, but also one burdened by the gravity of the threat, as evidenced by his comment about most of his men being dead and the pressing need to address the greater danger.

      4. In what ways does the chapter explore the societal roles and expectations of women in Alethkar, particularly through Navani’s actions?

      Answer:
      The chapter highlights the societal norm that women, especially of noble or royal status, are expected to be involved in certain duties, even in gruesome or traditionally male-dominated environments. Navani’s willingness to kneel beside the corpse and examine it directly suggests a degree of temerity and practicality that might be uncommon elsewhere but is accepted in Alethkar. The mention that it might be “completely proper” for the king’s mother to do this indicates societal acceptance of women participating actively in investigations or scenes of violence. This portrayal reflects a society where gender roles are somewhat flexible, especially among the elite, and women are expected to be capable and unafraid to engage in matters of life and death.

      5. What does the chapter suggest about the political and military climate on Roshar, especially regarding the threat of the unknown killer and the broader dangers facing the characters?

      Answer:
      The chapter underscores a tense and perilous environment on Roshar, where political intrigue, murder, and larger existential threats coexist. The fact that the killer is recreating the murder of Sadeas, a high-ranking prince, indicates a dangerous pattern that could destabilize the political order. Dalinar’s concern about a “terrible threat” that could wipe out their kind emphasizes the magnitude of the broader danger beyond individual crimes. The mention of most of Dalinar’s men being dead and the need to focus on larger threats suggests a climate of ongoing conflict and instability. The scene reflects a world where violence is intertwined with political maneuvering, and the characters must navigate both immediate dangers and larger, potentially apocalyptic threats.

    Quotes

    • 1. “The sum of my experiences has pointed at this moment. This decision.” (Preface, Oathbringer)

      This quote underscores the chapter’s theme of pivotal moments shaped by accumulated experiences, highlighting how past events culminate in decisive actions. It sets a reflective tone about the importance of choices made in critical circumstances.

      2. “The strata here spiraled, twisting around the floor, ceiling, and walls like the threads of a screw.”

      This vivid description emphasizes the chapter’s focus on the building’s unique architecture, symbolizing the complex and intertwined nature of the investigation and the environment. It also metaphorically reflects the twisting, inescapable path of the mystery.

      3. “Remarkable… the positioning, the puncturing of the eye… It’s exactly like what happened to Sadeas. This has to be the same killer.” (Navani)

      This quote captures the crucial discovery that links the murder to a specific pattern, pointing to a serial killer. It marks a key turning point in understanding the crime’s nature and foreshadows the threat’s significance.

      4. “Most of the men I’d have assigned to an investigation like this are dead.” (Dalinar)

      This statement highlights the gravity of the situation and the dangerous environment in which the characters operate. It conveys the sense of loss and the high stakes involved in their struggle against both external threats and internal chaos.

    Quotes

    1. “The sum of my experiences has pointed at this moment. This decision.” (Preface, Oathbringer)

    This quote underscores the chapter’s theme of pivotal moments shaped by accumulated experiences, highlighting how past events culminate in decisive actions. It sets a reflective tone about the importance of choices made in critical circumstances.

    2. “The strata here spiraled, twisting around the floor, ceiling, and walls like the threads of a screw.”

    This vivid description emphasizes the chapter’s focus on the building’s unique architecture, symbolizing the complex and intertwined nature of the investigation and the environment. It also metaphorically reflects the twisting, inescapable path of the mystery.

    3. “Remarkable… the positioning, the puncturing of the eye… It’s exactly like what happened to Sadeas. This has to be the same killer.” (Navani)

    This quote captures the crucial discovery that links the murder to a specific pattern, pointing to a serial killer. It marks a key turning point in understanding the crime’s nature and foreshadows the threat’s significance.

    4. “Most of the men I’d have assigned to an investigation like this are dead.” (Dalinar)

    This statement highlights the gravity of the situation and the dangerous environment in which the characters operate. It conveys the sense of loss and the high stakes involved in their struggle against both external threats and internal chaos.

    FAQs

    1. What significance does Shallan’s new status as “Brightness Radiant” have for her role in the investigation, and how does it reflect her social standing?

    Answer:
    Shallan’s elevation to “Brightness Radiant” signifies a notable change in her social standing, as it grants her a respected and expected presence in important events. Unlike before, when she might have been overlooked or considered out of place, her new title ensures she is included in significant moments, such as the investigation of the murder. This status reflects her recognized importance and perhaps her growing influence within the societal hierarchy. It also allows her to observe and participate in critical affairs without suspicion or dismissal, highlighting how her role is evolving from an outsider to a key observer in the political and military landscape.

    2. How does the description of the murder scene and the killer’s methods deepen the mystery, and what clues suggest about the killer’s intentions?

    Answer:
    The murder scene, with the victim stabbed through the eye and positioned similarly to the death of Highprince Sadeas, indicates a deliberate and symbolic pattern. Navani’s observation that the positioning and puncturing are “exactly” like Sadeas’s death suggests the killer is intentionally recreating previous murders to send a message or establish a pattern. The detailed description of the chamber—particularly the spiraling strata and the bathhouse setting—adds an eerie, ritualistic tone. The killer’s methods imply a calculated, possibly ritualistic motive, aiming to evoke fear or send a message through symbolic acts. The repeated pattern also hints at a personal or ideological motive behind the murders, making the case more complex and sinister.

    3. How does Dalinar’s response to the murder scene and his subsequent actions reveal his leadership style and priorities?

    Answer:
    Dalinar’s calm yet authoritative response—immediately sending for reinforcements, instructing the soldiers to maintain the perimeter, and planning to inform Sebarial—demonstrates his pragmatic and responsible leadership style. He prioritizes containment and communication over panic, recognizing the importance of controlling the situation while addressing the larger threat facing Roshar. His focus on the investigation amid looming political and military crises shows a leader committed to justice and security, but also one burdened by the gravity of the threat, as evidenced by his comment about most of his men being dead and the pressing need to address the greater danger.

    4. In what ways does the chapter explore the societal roles and expectations of women in Alethkar, particularly through Navani’s actions?

    Answer:
    The chapter highlights the societal norm that women, especially of noble or royal status, are expected to be involved in certain duties, even in gruesome or traditionally male-dominated environments. Navani’s willingness to kneel beside the corpse and examine it directly suggests a degree of temerity and practicality that might be uncommon elsewhere but is accepted in Alethkar. The mention that it might be “completely proper” for the king’s mother to do this indicates societal acceptance of women participating actively in investigations or scenes of violence. This portrayal reflects a society where gender roles are somewhat flexible, especially among the elite, and women are expected to be capable and unafraid to engage in matters of life and death.

    5. What does the chapter suggest about the political and military climate on Roshar, especially regarding the threat of the unknown killer and the broader dangers facing the characters?

    Answer:
    The chapter underscores a tense and perilous environment on Roshar, where political intrigue, murder, and larger existential threats coexist. The fact that the killer is recreating the murder of Sadeas, a high-ranking prince, indicates a dangerous pattern that could destabilize the political order. Dalinar’s concern about a “terrible threat” that could wipe out their kind emphasizes the magnitude of the broader danger beyond individual crimes. The mention of most of Dalinar’s men being dead and the need to focus on larger threats suggests a climate of ongoing conflict and instability. The scene reflects a world where violence is intertwined with political maneuvering, and the characters must navigate both immediate dangers and larger, potentially apocalyptic threats.

    Note