Oathbringer
19. The Subtle Art of Diplomacy
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a reflection on a past event, set thirty-one years ago, where Dalinar recalls a feast amidst a stormy environment. The scene highlights the contrasting elements of opulence and chaos, with a lavish feast hall filled with political figures and a raging storm outside. Dalinar observes the grandeur of the gathering and the political tensions at play, emphasizing the importance of alliances and military strategy in their society. The setting reveals a world where diplomacy and power are intertwined, and the storm outside symbolizes the tumultuous nature of their political landscape.
Gavilar, a central figure, discusses military logistics and the strategic use of their resources, such as Soulcasters and high ground, to withstand sieges and storms. The conversation with the Westerner Toh provides insight into the technological and magical advantages of their kingdom, emphasizing the wealth and power contained within the Vorin kingdoms. The dialogue also touches on the legacy of historical figures like the Sunmaker, linking past achievements to present ambitions. Dalinar, meanwhile, observes the political maneuvering and the pomp surrounding Gavilar’s regal demeanor, feeling somewhat disconnected from the celebration.
As the feast progresses, Dalinar’s mood shifts from the politeness of the event to a more introspective state. He reflects on the changing nature of warfare and the loss of the simpler joys of battle, contrasting the current political focus with the earlier days of fighting and riding into combat. His discomfort is compounded by practical issues, such as the absence of a knife to eat his food, symbolizing his sense of being an outsider amid the formalities. The chapter underscores the tension between duty and personal desire, illustrating Dalinar’s internal conflict within the political hierarchy.
The scene concludes with Dalinar stepping outside into the storm, seeking clarity amid the chaos. The highstorm’s fury mirrors the turbulent political and personal struggles he faces. His search for a missing knife and subsequent confrontation with armed men in a bunker reveal his ongoing responsibilities and the dangerous, unpredictable nature of his environment. This ending emphasizes the recurring theme of facing external chaos while grappling with internal conflicts, highlighting Dalinar’s resilience and sense of duty in a world rife with political intrigue and natural fury.
FAQs
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1. Question 1
What does Dalinar’s reaction to the feast and the political atmosphere reveal about his character and his feelings toward court life?
Answer:
Dalinar’s reaction to the feast—feeling out of place and wishing for the lively, combat-oriented life of battle—reveals his core nature as a warrior at heart. He perceives the political environment as sterile and disconnected from the true essence of strength and leadership, which for him is found in combat and direct action. His discomfort with the politicking, such as the separation from his men and the formalities of court, highlights his preference for straightforwardness and his struggle with the diplomatic aspects of leadership. This contrast underscores his internal conflict between his duties as a noble and his desire to be a warrior, emphasizing his authenticity and the deep-rooted values he holds.2. Question 2
How does the conversation between Gavilar and Toh about the highstorm and city defenses illustrate the differences in worldview and technological understanding between Alethkar and Rira/Iri?
Answer:
The dialogue highlights a significant cultural and technological divide. Gavilar emphasizes strategic planning, such as retreating to towns with fortifications and using Soulcasters to prevent starvation during sieges, which reflects a sophisticated understanding of warfare and resource management. Toh’s fascination with the presence of Shards and the wealth of the Alethkar kingdoms underscores a view of their society as technologically advanced and powerful. In contrast, Toh’s mention that Rira and Iri lack Soulcasters indicates a technological gap, suggesting that these regions rely more on traditional methods and lack the same level of magical and industrial development. This exchange underscores the contrast between Alethkar’s reliance on magic-enhanced technology and Rira/Iri’s more primitive approach, shaping their differing strategic perspectives.3. Question 3
What does Dalinar’s decision to step outside into the storm and his subsequent actions reveal about his personality and leadership qualities?
Answer:
Dalinar’s willingness to face the raging highstorm and his decision to step outside demonstrate his resilience, courage, and a sense of duty. Rather than seeking comfort or safety, he confronts the storm directly, which symbolizes his readiness to face chaos and danger head-on—traits essential for a leader. His familiarity with the storm and the bunker’s purpose shows his practical knowledge and experience in warfare. Additionally, his action of pounding on the door and slicing inside with his Shardblade to rally the soldiers reveals his proactive nature and leadership instinct—he takes initiative, shows concern for his men, and is willing to put himself at risk to protect and lead others.4. Question 4
In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of legacy and the burdens of leadership through the characters’ reflections on the past and their responsibilities?
Answer:
The chapter contrasts Gavilar’s reflections on his ancestor, the Sunmaker, and the fleeting nature of great empires with Dalinar’s more immediate concerns about duty and survival. Gavilar’s discussion about the ephemeral nature of his predecessor’s empire and his hope to leave a lasting legacy highlight the pressure leaders face to be remembered and to build enduring achievements. Dalinar, meanwhile, embodies the burden of leadership through his internal struggle with feelings of uselessness and his sense of responsibility for the safety of his people. The storm outside and the soldiers’ fearspren symbolize the chaos and unpredictability that leaders must navigate, emphasizing that legacy is intertwined with the capacity to withstand such storms—both literal and metaphorical.5. Question 5
How might Dalinar’s experience with losing his knife and his reaction to the situation serve as a metaphor for larger themes in the chapter, such as preparedness, vulnerability, or leadership?
Answer:
Dalinar’s loss of his knife and his frustration over being unarmed at a critical moment serve as a metaphor for the vulnerabilities leaders face—despite their strength and experience, unforeseen circumstances can leave them exposed. His attempt to request a knife and his realization that he is unprepared highlight the importance of vigilance and readiness, essential qualities for effective leadership. The scene underscores that even the most capable individuals are susceptible to setbacks, and true leadership involves managing vulnerabilities and maintaining composure under pressure. It also emphasizes humility and the need for constant awareness—traits that Dalinar must cultivate to fulfill his responsibilities amidst chaos and uncertainty.
Quotes
1. “Good planning keeps an army from needing to be out during a storm except in rare situations.”
This quote highlights the importance of strategic foresight in warfare, emphasizing that preparation and planning can mitigate the dangers posed by natural elements like highstorms. It sets the tone for understanding how leaders manage risks in chaotic environments and introduces the chapter’s focus on diplomacy and foresight.
2. “We have not these things in Rira or Iri. Fascinating, fascinating… And so many Shards here. Perhaps half the world’s wealth of Blades and Plates, all contained in Vorin kingdoms. The Heralds themselves favor you.”
This passage underscores the technological and magical disparities between regions, illustrating the political and cultural advantages held by the Vorin kingdoms. It emphasizes the chapter’s exploration of power dynamics and the role of diplomacy in maintaining such disparities.
3. “Gavilar actually looked regal, with his beard combed like that, glowing gemstones on his fingers. He wore a uniform of the newer style. Formal, rigid. Dalinar instead wore his skirtlike takama and an open overshirt that went down to midthigh, his chest bare.”
This description contrasts Gavilar’s polished, diplomatic appearance with Dalinar’s more practical and traditional attire, symbolizing their differing approaches to leadership—diplomacy versus martial strength. It captures the chapter’s theme of different leadership styles and the subtle art of diplomacy.
4. “Storms. Gavilar actually looked regal, with his beard combed like that, glowing gemstones on his fingers. He wore a uniform of the newer style. Formal, rigid. Dalinar instead wore his skirtlike takama and an open overshirt that went down to midthigh, his chest bare.”
This quote reflects the chapter’s recurring motif of appearances and presentation in diplomacy—how leaders project power and authority through their demeanor and attire, shaping perceptions and negotiations.
5. “Dalinar found the particular bunker he was looking for and pounded on the door. No response. So he summoned his Shardblade, slid the tip between the double doors, and sliced the bar inside. He pushed open the door to find a group of wide-eyed armed men scrambling into defensive lines, surrounded by fearspren, weapons held in nervous grips.”
This scene exemplifies Dalinar’s decisive action and readiness to confront danger directly, embodying the chapter’s exploration of leadership in crisis and the subtle art of diplomacy intertwined with military resolve.