Oathbringer
27. Playing Pretend
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with Shallan observing the political tension within Urithiru, where leaders debate the strategic movements of the enemy and the threat posed to various kingdoms. Despite her presence at the meeting, she finds herself distracted by her surroundings and her own artistic pursuits, sketching the scene rather than participating in the discussion. Her discomfort with the political atmosphere and her desire for solitude are evident as she prefers the light and quiet of the upper levels, away from the watchful eyes of others. Pattern, her spren, inspects her drawings, revealing a mysterious, ancient spren linked to Odium, hinting at long-forgotten histories that still influence current events.
The narrative shifts to the ongoing military and diplomatic concerns, with Dalinar and other highprinces discussing enemy movements and the threat to key locations like Azir and the Oathgates. The enemy’s strategic focus appears to be on gaining control of these critical gateways, with reports indicating enemy armies gathering in Marat and a mysterious blackout affecting major cities. The loss of spanreeds, essential for communication and navigation, raises fears of enemy interference, possibly locating and disabling these vital tools. Kaladin’s safety is acknowledged, but uncertainty remains about the enemy’s capabilities, fueling the urgency of the coalition’s strategic planning.
As the meeting continues, the focus turns to internal tensions and the lingering effects of past conflicts. Shallan sketches various figures, including former and current leaders, as she contemplates the pattern of violence and impersonation by a spren mimicking previous attacks. Her observations suggest a deeper, possibly malicious influence behind the recent violence, hinting at an entity that is mimicking the violence from past days to sow chaos. The chapter underscores the fragile state of trust and the importance of understanding the enemy’s methods, as well as the lingering trauma inflicted by the ongoing desolation and violence.
The chapter concludes with a personal interaction between Shallan and a Thaylen merchant named Malata, who questions the current state of the Radiants and the possibility of rebuilding. Their conversation reflects the uncertainty and cautious hope for renewal, emphasizing that reliance on past strengths might be crucial in facing the present crisis. Shallan’s reflections on the past and her cautious optimism highlight the tension between hope and despair, illustrating the complex emotions of the characters as they navigate a world torn by war, political strife, and ancient mysteries that continue to influence their fate.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Shallan’s sketching during the political meeting, and what does her focus on art reveal about her state of mind and character?
Answer:
Shallan’s choice to sketch during the meeting highlights her tendency to retreat into her art as a form of distraction and emotional refuge. While others are engaged in serious political discussions about the future of the world, she is captivated by the light and the opportunity to draw, indicating her desire for peace, beauty, and normalcy amidst chaos. Her focus on art reveals her introspective nature, her struggle with feelings of being trapped or overwhelmed, and her tendency to process her environment and emotions through creativity. This act also underscores her sense of detachment from the political turmoil, emphasizing her internal conflict and her reliance on art for comfort and clarity.2. How does the conversation about the ancient spren and the mysterious figure in Shallan’s drawing connect to the broader themes of history and memory in the chapter?
Answer:
The discussion of the ancient spren associated with Odium and the strange, inhuman figure in Shallan’s sketch underscores the chapter’s exploration of history’s lingering influence and the importance of memory. Pattern’s recognition of the spren as a long-ago entity suggests that the past holds secrets and threats that continue to impact the present. Shallan’s curiosity and her sketches serve as a form of uncovering suppressed or forgotten knowledge, emphasizing the theme that understanding history—especially the dark or mysterious aspects—is crucial for navigating current conflicts. This connection highlights the idea that the past, whether in the form of ancient spren or unresolved crimes, continues to shape the present and the future.3. In what ways does the political discussion among the highprinces illustrate the strategic challenges faced by the forces defending Roshar?
Answer:
The political debate among the highprinces reveals the complexity and uncertainty of military strategy in the face of an evolving threat. Dalinar’s assessment that the enemy is targeting the Oathgates and planning to strike at Azir or Jah Keved demonstrates the high level of threat and the importance of strategic positioning. The differing opinions, such as Ruthar’s dismissiveness and Aladar’s cautious support for Dalinar’s plan, reflect internal disagreements and the difficulty of coordinating a unified response. The discussion also shows how intelligence, such as reports of enemy movements and the mysterious blackout of cities, complicates decision-making. Overall, it underscores the challenge of balancing political interests, military intelligence, and strategic planning in a time of crisis.4. How does the chapter depict the theme of reliance on the past versus adaptation to the present circumstances?
Answer:
The chapter contrasts characters’ attitudes toward the past, especially through Shallan’s reflections and conversations. Shallan suggests that relying on the knowledge and strategies of the Radiants might be beneficial in facing the Desolation, implying a need to learn from history. Conversely, Malata’s comment about things not having to be the way they were hints at a desire for change and adaptation. The tension between these perspectives raises questions about whether tradition provides stability and guidance or whether it hinders innovation. The chapter ultimately presents a nuanced view: understanding and respecting the past can be vital, but it must be balanced with the flexibility to adapt to new threats and circumstances.5. What does the interaction between Shallan and Malata reveal about the different perspectives on the future of the Radiants and their role in current events?
Answer:
Shallan and Malata represent contrasting outlooks on how to approach the current crisis. Shallan emphasizes the importance of relying on the past—specifically, the Radiants and their previous successes—as a foundation for survival amid the ongoing Desolation. Her cautious stance suggests she values tradition and the lessons learned from history. Malata, however, questions whether returning to old methods is wise or feasible, implying that the Radiants’ previous failures might mean they need to forge a new path. This interaction highlights a broader debate about whether to depend on historical strength or to innovate in response to new threats, reflecting differing philosophies on leadership, resilience, and change in uncertain times.
Quotes
1. “I will confess my heresy. I do not back down from the things I have said, regardless of what the ardents demand.”
This opening quote sets the tone for the chapter, emphasizing the theme of unwavering conviction and personal truth in the face of pressure.
2. “It is not a thing of us. It is of him.”
Pattern’s statement highlights the presence of ancient, possibly malevolent, spren linked to Odium—an insight into the chapter’s exploration of long-forgotten entities and their lingering influence.
3. “The enemy seemed to be able to locate spanreeds somehow.”
This observation underscores the mysterious and dangerous capabilities of the enemy, hinting at the threat of their technological or magical surveillance that complicates the war effort.
4. “Maybe this isn’t the time to experiment either. The Desolation has started again. We could do worse than rely upon the past to survive this.”
Shallan’s reflection encapsulates a core strategic dilemma—whether to innovate or to trust in the tried-and-true methods of the Radiants—highlighting the chapter’s focus on tradition versus adaptation.
Quotes
1. “I will confess my heresy. I do not back down from the things I have said, regardless of what the ardents demand.”
This opening quote sets the tone for the chapter, emphasizing the theme of unwavering conviction and personal truth in the face of pressure.
2. “It is not a thing of us. It is of him.”
Pattern’s statement highlights the presence of ancient, possibly malevolent, spren linked to Odium
— an insight into the chapter’s exploration of long-forgotten entities and their lingering influence.3. “The enemy seemed to be able to locate spanreeds somehow.”
This observation underscores the mysterious and dangerous capabilities of the enemy, hinting at the threat of their technological or magical surveillance that complicates the war effort.
4. “Maybe this isn’t the time to experiment either. The Desolation has started again. We could do worse than rely upon the past to survive this.”
Shallan’s reflection encapsulates a core strategic dilemma—whether to innovate or to trust in the tried-and-true methods of the Radiants—highlighting the chapter’s focus on tradition versus adaptation.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Shallan’s sketching during the political meeting, and what does her focus on art reveal about her state of mind and character?
Answer:
Shallan’s choice to sketch during the meeting highlights her tendency to retreat into her art as a form of distraction and emotional refuge. While others are engaged in serious political discussions about the future of the world, she is captivated by the light and the opportunity to draw, indicating her desire for peace, beauty, and normalcy amidst chaos. Her focus on art reveals her introspective nature, her struggle with feelings of being trapped or overwhelmed, and her tendency to process her environment and emotions through creativity. This act also underscores her sense of detachment from the political turmoil, emphasizing her internal conflict and her reliance on art for comfort and clarity.
2. How does the conversation about the ancient spren and the mysterious figure in Shallan’s drawing connect to the broader themes of history and memory in the chapter?
Answer:
The discussion of the ancient spren associated with Odium and the strange, inhuman figure in Shallan’s sketch underscores the chapter’s exploration of history’s lingering influence and the importance of memory. Pattern’s recognition of the spren as a long-ago entity suggests that the past holds secrets and threats that continue to impact the present. Shallan’s curiosity and her sketches serve as a form of uncovering suppressed or forgotten knowledge, emphasizing the theme that understanding history—especially the dark or mysterious aspects—is crucial for navigating current conflicts. This connection highlights the idea that the past, whether in the form of ancient spren or unresolved crimes, continues to shape the present and the future.
3. In what ways does the political discussion among the highprinces illustrate the strategic challenges faced by the forces defending Roshar?
Answer:
The political debate among the highprinces reveals the complexity and uncertainty of military strategy in the face of an evolving threat. Dalinar’s assessment that the enemy is targeting the Oathgates and planning to strike at Azir or Jah Keved demonstrates the high level of threat and the importance of strategic positioning. The differing opinions, such as Ruthar’s dismissiveness and Aladar’s cautious support for Dalinar’s plan, reflect internal disagreements and the difficulty of coordinating a unified response. The discussion also shows how intelligence, such as reports of enemy movements and the mysterious blackout of cities, complicates decision-making. Overall, it underscores the challenge of balancing political interests, military intelligence, and strategic planning in a time of crisis.
4. How does the chapter depict the theme of reliance on the past versus adaptation to the present circumstances?
Answer:
The chapter contrasts characters’ attitudes toward the past, especially through Shallan’s reflections and conversations. Shallan suggests that relying on the knowledge and strategies of the Radiants might be beneficial in facing the Desolation, implying a need to learn from history. Conversely, Malata’s comment about things not having to be the way they were hints at a desire for change and adaptation. The tension between these perspectives raises questions about whether tradition provides stability and guidance or whether it hinders innovation. The chapter ultimately presents a nuanced view: understanding and respecting the past can be vital, but it must be balanced with the flexibility to adapt to new threats and circumstances.
5. What does the interaction between Shallan and Malata reveal about the different perspectives on the future of the Radiants and their role in current events?
Answer:
Shallan and Malata represent contrasting outlooks on how to approach the current crisis. Shallan emphasizes the importance of relying on the past—specifically, the Radiants and their previous successes—as a foundation for survival amid the ongoing Desolation. Her cautious stance suggests she values tradition and the lessons learned from history. Malata, however, questions whether returning to old methods is wise or feasible, implying that the Radiants’ previous failures might mean they need to forge a new path. This interaction highlights a broader debate about whether to depend on historical strength or to innovate in response to new threats, reflecting differing philosophies on leadership, resilience, and change in uncertain times.
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