Oathbringer
31. Demands of the Storm
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter begins with a reflection on hope and foolishness, quoting from *Oathbringer*, setting a tone of resilience amidst chaos. It then follows Kaladin’s journey from his childhood dreams of joining the military to his current reality, where he observes the stark differences between his expectations and the actual state of the world. His experiences in various warcamps and the city of Revolar reveal a landscape that is chaotic and unorganized, contrasting sharply with his idealized notions of cities. The city’s sprawling, haphazard layout underscores the unpredictability and disorder that define the current environment, emphasizing the contrast between perception and reality.
As Kaladin and his team of parshmen enter Revolar, he notes the stark differences in their appearance and equipment compared to the city’s other inhabitants. Kaladin’s pride in teaching the parshmen survival skills highlights his sense of purpose and hope amid turmoil. The city teems with life—markets, workers, and various crowds—yet beneath this vibrancy, signs of violence and looting suggest recent conflict and instability. Kaladin’s observations hint at the aftermath of a battle or invasion, with broken windows and signs of forced entry, indicating that the city has recently been conquered or ravaged.
The narrative then shifts to the deeper political and moral questions surrounding the city’s occupation. Kaladin’s concern about the fate of the humans and the parshmen grows as he witnesses the aftermath of violence. Dialogue with Sah reveals differing perspectives on the conflict—Sah’s desire to prevent further oppression and Kaladin’s moral dilemma about the true nature of justice. Syl’s presence and her observations about the highstorm approaching add a sense of urgency, emphasizing the impending natural danger that could further complicate the situation. The chapter explores themes of oppression, justice, and the possibility of unity beyond racial divides.
Finally, the chapter depicts the process of integration and the complex interactions between parshmen and humans. Kaladin’s group encounters a processing station where parshmen are being sorted and assigned roles, illustrating the ongoing efforts to organize the displaced and newly freed. The dialogue about the parshman who wishes to fight alongside humans underscores the nuanced relationships forming amid chaos. The mention of Fused and the need for permission to declare someone free introduces the layered political structure and the uncertain future for both races. Overall, the chapter captures a moment of transition, tension, and the search for hope amid destruction.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What are Kaladin’s initial impressions of Revolar, and how do these perceptions reflect his expectations versus reality?
Answer:
Kaladin perceives Revolar as a city that is disorganized and sprawling rather than orderly and efficient. His expectations of a city with neat rows of houses and well-planned streets are contrasted with his actual experience of a chaotic, tangled layout with streets running unpredictably and markets poking out haphazardly. This reflects his prior imagination of cities based on military camps or larger towns, but reality shows a more organic, less structured development. His observations highlight his unfamiliarity with urban settings and underscore the contrast between his past experiences and the complex, sprawling nature of Revolar. It also hints at the city’s rapid growth and the influence of the parshmen, which diverges from his preconceived notions of organized civilization.
2. Question 2
How does Kaladin’s interaction with the parshmen and their integration into the city challenge common perceptions of the conflict between humans and parshmen?
Answer:
Kaladin witnesses parshmen living in their own homes, running markets, and being part of the city’s fabric—an image that challenges the typical perception of parshmen as mere enemies or mindless beasts. Their visible presence and integration into daily life suggest a more complex relationship than outright hostility. Kaladin’s concern about the looting and signs of conflict, along with the realization that the city has been conquered, raises questions about the nature of the conflict—whether it is truly a simple racial or species-based war or something deeper involving survival, oppression, and societal upheaval. This interaction prompts him to reconsider stereotypes, recognizing that parshmen are capable of community and coexistence, complicating the narrative of human versus parshman hostility.
3. Question 3
Analyze Kaladin’s moral dilemma when questioning Sah about the city’s conquest and the treatment of humans and parshmen. What does this reveal about his character and his views on justice?
Answer:
Kaladin’s question about whether Sah wants to conquer the kingdom or destroy humankind reveals his internal conflict and moral sensibilities. He is troubled by the idea of violence and conquest for its own sake, and he questions the justice of enslaving or exterminating a race. This dilemma underscores Kaladin’s core values—his sense of fairness, compassion, and his opposition to oppression. It also highlights his growth from a soldier with a straightforward view of enemies to a more nuanced thinker who recognizes the complexities of war, captivity, and morality. His concern that war should not be about annihilation but about justice and nobility demonstrates his desire to uphold moral integrity, even amid chaos.
4. Question 4
What role do spren, particularly Syl, play in Kaladin’s understanding of the situation around him, and how do they influence his decisions?
Answer:
Syl, as a spren, functions as Kaladin’s spiritual and perceptual guide, providing insights that he cannot see himself. Her observations about the highstorm, the presence of other spren, and signs of impending danger inform Kaladin’s situational awareness and strategic thinking. Syl’s ability to zip into his hair and communicate subtly helps him navigate the chaos of the city, especially regarding the approaching storm and the movement of humans and parshmen. Her presence influences Kaladin’s decisions by alerting him to imminent threats and the broader context of the conflict, reinforcing his role as a leader who must consider both physical and spiritual elements. Their partnership exemplifies how spren serve as a vital link between the physical world and deeper truths.
5. Question 5
Considering the scene where Khen’s group is processed and the mention of “special training” and the possibility of a parshman being labeled as free, what does this suggest about the political and social dynamics in the city?
Answer:
This scene indicates a complex and layered societal structure where parshmen are being integrated into the city’s systems, possibly through a form of rehabilitation or recognition. The mention of “special training” and the need for permission from a Fused to declare a parshman free suggests an authority hierarchy that is controlling and possibly oppressive. It reflects a society in flux, with tensions between those seeking to assimilate or empower parshmen and the existing power structures that maintain control. The process hints at a potential shift towards recognition of parshmen’s autonomy or status, but still within a framework of authority and regulation. This dynamic underscores themes of liberation, societal change, and the lingering influence of the Fused’s dominance, revealing a society grappling with issues of freedom, identity, and power.
Quotes
1. “If they cannot make you less foolish, at least let them give you hope.”
This opening quote, from the preface of Oathbringer, encapsulates a central theme of the chapter—finding hope amid chaos and destruction. It highlights the importance of hope as a vital force, even when knowledge or wisdom seems out of reach.
2. “Our own city, Kal,” he whispered. “During my time as a slave, barely able to think, I still dreamed. I tried to imagine what it would be like to have my own home, my own life. Here it is.”
This quote underscores the significance of the city as a symbol of hope and resilience for the parshmen, representing their dreams realized and a new beginning. It emphasizes the chapter’s exploration of liberation and the power of hope in the face of past suffering.
3. “Is this what it’s about? Is this what you want, Sah? To conquer the kingdom? Destroy humankind?”
Kaladin’s question reveals the moral conflict at the heart of the story—whether the fight is truly about justice or merely about revenge and conquest. It frames the chapter’s discussion of the complex motivations behind war and rebellion.
4. “Oppressed against the oppressors. It can be nobler than that.”
Sah’s words suggest an idealistic vision of rebellion—fighting not just for revenge or survival, but for a higher purpose of justice. This statement captures the chapter’s theme of seeking nobility in conflict and the possibility of moral clarity amid chaos.
5. “There’s another highstorm coming today… Everything has been thrown off; the charts will all be wrong until people can make new ones.”
This observation highlights the unpredictability and upheaval caused by the impending storm, symbolizing the chaos that disrupts established order. It reflects the broader theme of uncertainty and the need for adaptation in turbulent times.