Oathbringer
20. Cords to Bind
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a reflection on the importance of caution when dealing with dangerous elements, drawing a parallel to the use of spices and the pain of lessons learned through hardship. The quote from *Oathbringer* emphasizes the painful yet necessary process of growth and understanding. This sets the tone for a narrative centered on survival, learning, and the complex emotions tied to freedom and captivity. The author explores how pain and caution serve as guides in life, highlighting the importance of experience in shaping resilience and wisdom amidst adversity.
Kaladin’s practical approach to injury and survival is demonstrated through his careful treatment of Khen’s wound. He emphasizes cleanliness and infection prevention, reflecting his practical knowledge and leadership. As the characters tend to their wounds and gather resources, the scene shifts to their makeshift camp, where resourcefulness is evident—using metal buckets for boiling water and crafting tools from available materials. This setting underscores their struggle to adapt and survive in the wilderness after fleeing captivity, emphasizing their resilience despite limited resources.
The narrative deepens with a dialogue between Kaladin and Sah, a parshman who resents the authority Kaladin exerts. Sah’s frustration with their situation and feelings of lost autonomy are palpable. He questions the legitimacy of Kaladin’s leadership, expressing anger about the return to a hierarchy that resembles slavery. Kaladin’s silent response reflects his understanding of their shared pain and the complexities of leadership in a fractured world. Their exchange reveals underlying tensions—between trust, authority, and the desire for true freedom—highlighting the emotional toll of their escape and the uncertain future ahead.
In the concluding part, Syl’s warning of an impending highstorm introduces an external threat, forcing Kaladin to confront the reality of their precarious situation. His internal struggle surfaces as he grapples with the possibility of inevitable conflict and war, recognizing that the parshmen’s desire for freedom may lead to violence. Kaladin’s reflection on the nature of war, freedom, and the consequences of past injustices underscores the chapter’s core themes: the moral ambiguity of rebellion, the costs of survival, and the difficult path toward true liberation. The chapter leaves readers contemplating the balance between peace and conflict in a fractured world.
FAQs
1. What are Kaladin’s main concerns when giving medical advice and teaching skills to the parshmen, and how does this reflect his understanding of freedom and control?
Answer:
Kaladin emphasizes the importance of cleanliness to prevent infection, demonstrating his practical knowledge and concern for their well-being. However, his interaction with Sah reveals deeper concerns about control and autonomy. Kaladin offers guidance on making tools and even suggests that the parshmen can learn to defend themselves, which Sah interprets as a form of authority and a challenge to their independence. Kaladin’s comments about freedom—comparing his own limited sense of it to Sah’s leaf-blown existence—highlight his internal conflict. He recognizes that traditional societal structures and power dynamics—like cords, bonds, and slavery—are pervasive, and he questions whether true freedom is possible within these constraints. His efforts to teach and help are colored by the tension between aiding others and inadvertently reinforcing their dependence on external authority.2. How does the chapter explore the theme of freedom versus control through the characters’ dialogue and actions?
Answer:
The chapter contrasts different perceptions of freedom through Kaladin and Sah. Kaladin reflects on his own limited freedom, having been a slave and now serving under societal structures, questioning whether societal traditions and bonds are fools’ traps. Sah, on the other hand, views his freedom as fragile and fleeting—like a leaf blown by the wind—indicating a sense of vulnerability and lack of control. Their dialogue reveals a core tension: Sah resents being treated as a child or being told what to do, while Kaladin tries to encourage autonomy and self-sufficiency. Sah’s suspicion that any attempt at freedom is just another form of control—especially since those in power tend to re-enslave or dominate—illustrates a skepticism about true independence. The chapter ultimately explores whether freedom is an illusion or a genuine possibility, especially in a society that is inherently oppressive.3. In what ways does the chapter depict the potential for conflict between the parshmen and humans, and what factors influence Kaladin’s perspective on this?
Answer:
The chapter depicts potential conflict through the dialogue about war, enslavement, and the parshmen’s capacity for violence. Sah’s anger and bitterness about past enslavement and betrayal reflect the deep-seated grievances that could lead to violence. Kaladin’s concern about the coming highstorm and the mention of the Voidspren suggest an impending threat that could force the parshmen into conflict with humans. Kaladin’s perspective is influenced by his own experience as a former slave and his understanding that the parshmen are dangerous when pushed to their limits. While he hopes for peaceful solutions—like convincing humans to recognize the parshmen’s intelligence—he is also aware that the brutal history and ongoing injustices make war seem inevitable. His internal struggle highlights the complex interplay between desire for peace and the reality of potential violence.4. How does Syl’s ability to sense the approaching highstorm add to the chapter’s tension, and what does Kaladin’s reaction reveal about his internal state?
Answer:
Syl’s warning about the approaching highstorm heightens the chapter’s tension by introducing an imminent natural threat that requires immediate action. Her ability to sense the storm before it arrives emphasizes her connection to the natural world and the urgency of their situation. Kaladin’s reaction—whispering about not being able to spend time empathizing with the parshmen—reveals his internal conflict. Despite his efforts to help and understand, he feels overwhelmed by the weight of impending conflict and the necessity of self-preservation. His internal dialogue, “I can’t do this,” shows a sense of helplessness and the emotional toll of trying to reconcile his desire for peace with the brutal realities of their situation. It underscores his struggle to balance empathy with the need to prepare for inevitable violence.5. What does the chapter suggest about the nature of societal bonds, tradition, and the possibility of true freedom for marginalized groups like the parshmen?
Answer:
The chapter suggests that societal bonds and traditions are powerful forces that can both sustain and oppress. Kaladin’s reflection on how cords and societal norms tie people down indicates skepticism about their ability to offer genuine freedom. Sah’s analogy of being a leaf blown by the wind underscores the fragility and unpredictability of true independence. The dialogue reveals that marginalized groups like the parshmen see traditional power structures—such as slavery and societal control—as inherently oppressive, and they question whether true freedom is achievable within or outside those structures. Sah’s anger about being treated as inferior and Kaladin’s hope for recognition highlight the complex struggle for autonomy. The chapter ultimately raises the question of whether societal change can lead to genuine freedom or if such freedom remains an elusive ideal, especially for those historically oppressed.
Quotes
1. “However, with a dangerous spice, you can be warned to taste lightly. I would that your lesson may not be as painful as my own.”
This opening quote sets a tone of cautious wisdom, emphasizing that knowledge and experience often come with pain, and hints at the chapter’s exploration of hardship and learning.
2. “Men who use cords to bind are fools, since tradition, society, and momentum are going to tie us all down anyway.”
This quote reflects the chapter’s themes of societal constraints and the metaphorical cords that bind individuals, highlighting the tension between personal freedom and societal expectations.
3. “‘Freedom’ is a strange word, Sah. These last few months, I’ve probably been more ‘free’ than at any time since my childhood. You want to know what I did with it? I stayed in the same place, serving another highlord.”
Kaladin’s reflection underscores the complex nature of freedom, suggesting that true liberty is not merely physical escape but also about internal choices and sacrifices.
4. “Sah, it doesn’t have to come to war. You don’t think it is?”
This question captures the chapter’s core concern about the inevitable slide toward conflict, emphasizing the tension between peace and war and the choices that lead us there.
5. “I’m doing it again. I can’t do this, Syl. I can’t spend time with these parshmen, see their side.”
This introspective moment reveals Kaladin’s internal struggle, illustrating the emotional and moral challenges faced when confronting the humanity of others, and the reluctance to accept difficult truths.