Oathbringer
48. Rhythm of Work
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with Moash reflecting on his current situation, emphasizing a sense of resignation and a desire for simplicity. He is tasked with pulling a sledge in a march led by the Voidbringers, a stark contrast to his previous life, where he was burdened by political scheming and concern over the kingdom’s fate. His new role as a worker pulling a broken-wheeled cart provides a rare sense of physical relief and mental quietude, offering him a temporary escape from his past worries. The environment around him is fertile and alive, and the scene is painted with a mixture of hardship and a surprising note of order and fairness in the treatment of the workers.
As the march progresses, Moash observes the human caravan and the soldiers’ preparation for war. He notes the strength and discipline of the Voidbringers’ forces, including their use of warform parshmen, who are being trained for combat. Despite their lack of experience, their approach is efficient and purposeful, and Moash begins to question the morality of the conflict. His thoughts drift toward the city of Kholinar, which is the ultimate destination, and he reflects on its history and the corruption he perceives there. His disillusionment with humankind’s leadership deepens as he considers the cycle of violence, betrayal, and the false gods that have dominated their history.
Moash’s internal reflections turn darker as he contemplates the return of the Voidbringers and their apparent effectiveness. He recognizes their strategic intelligence and the disciplined nature of their armies, which contrasts sharply with the disorganized and corrupt human armies he has known. His admiration is tinged with a sense of despair, as he believes humankind’s downfall is inevitable due to their own failures. Despite this, he notices an unsettling disparity: a small group of parshman slaves pulling a sledge, treated with contempt and brutality. This observation raises questions about the supposed egalitarian nature of the Voidbringers’ forces and hints at underlying divisions and injustices within their ranks.
The chapter concludes with a moment of pause as Moash and the others rest during the march. He observes the burned village nearby, contemplating the reasons behind its destruction—whether it was to send a message or to prevent enemy flanking. The scene emphasizes the brutal reality of the ongoing conflict and the suffering inflicted upon innocent civilians. Moash remains detached yet contemplative, aware of the cruel realities of war and the complex moral landscape in which he now finds himself. His internal conflict continues as he grapples with the harsh truths of the world around him, questioning the nature of justice and loyalty amidst chaos and destruction.
FAQs
1. What does Moash’s perspective on the Voidbringers reveal about his attitude toward the ongoing conflict and his own role in it?
Answer:
Moash’s perspective on the Voidbringers is complex and reveals a mixture of admiration, disdain, and resignation. He recognizes the Voidbringers as efficient, driven, and intelligent, noting their strategic use of overseers and spren for guidance. However, he also reflects on their treatment of the parshman slaves, which he perceives as unjust and cruel. His admiration for their effectiveness is tempered by his moral outrage at their treatment of the weaker parshman, especially the slaves pulling sledges. This perspective suggests that Moash has internal conflicts about the nature of the conflict—he sees the Voidbringers as a formidable force that perhaps embodies qualities humans have lost, yet he is disturbed by the cruelty inflicted on his fellow parshman. It highlights his disillusionment with humanity and hints at his evolving understanding of morality in wartime.2. How does the chapter depict the treatment of slaves and parshman within the Voidbringer army, and what might this imply about the social dynamics or moral landscape of this conflict?
Answer:
The chapter depicts the parshman slaves, especially those pulling sledges, as being treated poorly despite the apparent efficiency of the Voidbringer army. The overseers whip and abuse these weaker parshman, who are distinguished by their workform, unlike the warform used by the soldiers. Moash initially perceives their treatment as a sign of potential egalitarianism among the Voidbringers, but he quickly recognizes the cruelty and discrimination directed toward these parshman slaves. This disparity highlights a social hierarchy within the army, where the parshman are subjugated and dehumanized, despite their essential role. It implies that, although the Voidbringers are effective and organized, their moral landscape is marred by exploitation and cruelty, reflecting a brutal and hierarchical society that values strength and efficiency over compassion. This treatment raises questions about the nature of justice and morality in war.3. In what ways does Moash’s reflection on the history of humankind and the return of the Voidbringers shape his view of the current conflict?
Answer:
Moash’s reflection on human history and the return of the Voidbringers reveals a deeply cynical and disillusioned worldview. He views humanity’s past—marked by murders, wars, and thefts—as evidence that humans are inherently corrupt and unworthy of the kingdom. His mention of the victory over the Voidbringers as a false triumph, which led to the establishment of false gods and a cycle of violence, suggests he sees the current conflict as a continuation of humanity’s moral decline. The return of the Voidbringers is, in his eyes, a punishment or a sign that humankind has failed itself. This perspective influences his attitude, making him sympathize with the Voidbringers’ efficiency and discipline while condemning human weakness and corruption. It reflects a sense of despair and a belief that perhaps humankind’s downfall is inevitable, shaping his attitude as one of resignation and bitterness.4. How might the treatment of the parshman slaves and Moash’s observations about their condition influence his potential future choices or moral stance?
Answer:
Moash’s empathy and distress over the treatment of the parshman slaves suggest that he is morally conflicted and may be open to reevaluating his loyalties and beliefs. Witnessing the cruelty inflicted upon these weaker parshman, especially those pulling sledges, could ignite a sense of injustice within him, challenging any previous acceptance of the hierarchy or brutality of the Voidbringer army. This awareness might motivate him to oppose or question the system that allows such cruelty, possibly leading to actions that challenge the status quo. His internal conflict indicates that he might choose to act against the exploitation he witnesses, driven by a moral awakening. Ultimately, these observations could serve as a catalyst for future decisions rooted in compassion and a desire to address systemic injustice, even within a brutal wartime context.5. What does the chapter suggest about the nature of leadership and organization within the Voidbringer army?
Answer:
The chapter portrays the Voidbringer army as highly organized, efficient, and strategic. Moash observes that the armies are well-supplied, with overseers who are trained and use spren-guided instructions, indicating a structured command system. The presence of different forms—warform for soldiers and workform for slaves—shows a clear division of roles based on strength and function. The overseers’ sparing use of whips and the overall discipline suggest a leadership that values order and productivity, understanding that slaves need good treatment to maintain efficiency. The army’s ability to learn quickly, adapt, and coordinate suggests a leadership that emphasizes discipline, intelligence, and practicality. However, this organization is also rooted in exploitation and cruelty, revealing a leadership that prioritizes strategic success over moral considerations, reflecting a pragmatic but morally questionable approach to warfare.
Quotes
1. “But we stand in the sea, pleased with our domains. Leave us alone.”
This opening quote encapsulates a sense of complacency and self-satisfaction among those in power, setting the tone for the chapter’s exploration of societal and military complacency in the face of impending chaos.
2. “It felt good to just be told what to do.”
This statement highlights Moash’s relief in the structured, disciplined environment of forced labor, contrasting with his previous life filled with anxiety and moral dilemmas. It underscores a recurring theme of seeking order amid chaos.
3. “Everything was converging on the capital. Should that bother him? After all, what had Kholinar ever done for him?”
This quote reflects Moash’s growing detachment and cynicism about his homeland, questioning the value of loyalty and the true nature of the society he once belonged to, as the conflict intensifies.
4. “The Voidbringers had obviously returned because men had proven they couldn’t govern themselves. That was why the Almighty had sent this scourge.”
This statement reveals a bleak worldview where the return of the Voidbringers is seen as a divine punishment for humanity’s failures, emphasizing themes of divine justice and human culpability.
5. “Who were these poor souls?”
This poignant question draws attention to the parshman slaves pulling the sledges, highlighting the chapter’s focus on inequality, suffering, and the overlooked individuals within the larger conflict, raising moral and empathetic considerations.