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    Oathbringer

    by Sanderson, Brandon
    Oathbringer, the third book in Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive series, is an epic fantasy novel set on the planet Roshar. It follows Dalinar Kholin as he confronts his past, unravels ancient secrets, and strives to unite warring factions against existential threats. The story explores themes of leadership, memory, and redemption amid catastrophic conflicts and mystical revelations, advancing the series’ intricate world-building and character development.
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    Oathbringer

    52. After His Father

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    Dali­nar Kholin reflects on his exten­sive mil­i­tary cam­paigns, recount­ing years of hard-fought bat­tles across the land. After crush­ing the Her­dazians and secur­ing key ter­ri­to­ries, he moves south­ward to con­front the Vedens, empha­siz­ing the strate­gic impor­tance of patience and maneu­ver­ing over out­right exter­mi­na­tion. His fatigue and weari­ness are pal­pa­ble as he returns to his camp, stripped of his armor and exhaust­ed from the relent­less cam­paign. Despite the phys­i­cal toll, Dalinar’s focus remains on the broad­er mil­i­tary objec­tives, con­tem­plat­ing the ongo­ing war effort, logis­tics, and the com­plex­i­ties of fight­ing a mobile ene­my in chal­leng­ing ter­rain.

    The chap­ter delves into Dalinar’s lead­er­ship style and strate­gic mind­set, high­light­ing his care­ful plan­ning and respect for the enemy’s tac­tics. His con­ver­sa­tion with Kadash, a sea­soned offi­cer, reveals the impor­tance of avoid­ing over­ly aggres­sive tac­tics that could back­fire. Dalinar’s expe­ri­ence and shrewd­ness are evi­dent as he con­sid­ers the long-term impli­ca­tions of their vic­to­ries, acknowl­edg­ing that the war will con­tin­ue for years. His aware­ness of the enemy’s shrewd­ness and the lim­i­ta­tions of their resources under­scores his cau­tious yet deter­mined approach to war­fare, empha­siz­ing the impor­tance of patience, intel­li­gence, and strate­gic patience.

    Amidst the chaos of war, Dalinar’s per­son­al life intrudes on his thoughts. His exhaus­tion is inter­rupt­ed by the arrival of Evi, his wife, whose pres­ence sur­pris­es him and sparks a mix­ture of irri­ta­tion and shame. Their inter­ac­tion under­scores the ten­sion between his respon­si­bil­i­ties as a mil­i­tary leader and his domes­tic life. Evi’s unex­pect­ed vis­it and her com­ments about women at war reflect soci­etal expec­ta­tions and the strain of main­tain­ing per­son­al rela­tion­ships amidst ongo­ing con­flict. Dalinar’s reac­tion reveals his inter­nal conflict—his duty to his sol­diers and land ver­sus his desire for pri­va­cy and nor­mal­cy in his per­son­al life.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with Dalinar’s inter­nal strug­gle to bal­ance lead­er­ship, war, and per­son­al oblig­a­tions. His response to Evi’s vis­it shows his frus­tra­tion with the intru­sion into his mil­i­tary envi­ron­ment, yet he also rec­og­nizes the impor­tance of fam­i­ly and con­nec­tion. The scene empha­sizes the toll of lead­er­ship and the con­stant pres­sure to per­form both as a war­rior and a hus­band. Despite the exhaus­tion and chal­lenges, Dalinar’s resolve remains firm, dri­ven by the thrill of bat­tle and the hope of a future vic­to­ry. The chap­ter ends on a note of intro­spec­tion, high­light­ing the com­plex inter­play between duty, hon­or, and per­son­al life in times of war.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What does Dalinar’s physical state and actions upon returning to camp reveal about his character and the burdens he carries?

      Answer:
      Dalinar’s exhaustion and the meticulous process of disassembling his armor highlight his relentless dedication and physical toll from years of campaigning. His fatigue, evidenced by the fogged helm and his effort to maintain a martial posture despite exhaustion, underscores his role as a leader burdened by constant warfare. His decision to sit on travel cushions and his desire for solitude reflect a need for mental respite amid ongoing responsibilities. These details portray him as a resilient but weary leader, driven by duty and the weight of command, illustrating the emotional and physical costs of leadership in war.

      2. How does Dalinar’s strategic perspective in the battle report reflect his leadership style and military philosophy?

      Answer:
      Dalinar’s approach to the victory—emphasizing the importance of not fully trapping the enemy to allow retreat—demonstrates his pragmatic and humane military philosophy. He recognizes that a rout with minimal losses (only about two hundred out of thousands) is more advantageous than an extermination, which could foster hatred and future conflict. His advice to avoid boxing in the Vedens shows his understanding of warfare as a means not just of destruction but of strategic advantage, emphasizing the importance of mobility, psychological impact, and long-term stability. This reveals Dalinar as a leader who values tactical intelligence and moral considerations alongside battlefield success.

      3. What does the interaction between Dalinar and Evi reveal about the tensions between military duty and personal life?

      Answer:
      The interaction exposes the strain that Dalinar’s military responsibilities place on his personal life and domestic relationships. Evi’s presence at the warcamp, her concern about his hygiene, and her comment about women at the camp highlight the disconnect and tension between his role as a warrior and husband. Dalinar’s reaction—initial shock and frustration—reflects his struggle to balance the demands of leadership with his personal bonds. His sharp response and concern about their children’s presence at the front underscore the emotional toll and societal expectations, illustrating the complex tension between duty and family in a wartime context.

      4. How does the chapter depict the theme of leadership and sacrifice?

      Answer:
      The chapter portrays leadership as a demanding role that involves physical and emotional sacrifice. Dalinar’s fatigue and focus on strategy reveal the personal toll of leading armies and making critical decisions. His strategic patience, willingness to endure exhaustion, and focus on long-term victory over immediate gratification exemplify self-sacrifice for the greater good. The chapter also hints at the sacrifices of others, such as Kadash risking injury and the soldiers enduring hardships. Dalinar’s internal reflections and his interactions with Evi emphasize that true leadership requires balancing personal sacrifice with moral responsibility, often at the expense of personal comfort and relationships.

      5. In what ways does the chapter foreshadow Dalinar’s internal conflicts and future challenges?

      Answer:
      The chapter hints at Dalinar’s internal struggles through his thoughts about the ongoing war, logistical challenges, and the weight of command. His longing for the earlier, less coordinated fights suggests nostalgia for a simpler time, contrasting with the complex, strategic warfare he now faces. His reflection on the importance of the Thrill, which he cherishes, foreshadows internal conflicts related to his emotional and possibly spiritual state. The confrontation with Evi and his reaction to her concerns about family hint at deeper personal conflicts—balancing love, duty, and the burden of leadership. These elements set the stage for future challenges involving internal moral dilemmas and the evolution of his character.

    Quotes

    • 1. “This is now my audience tent,” Dalinar said, not opening his eyes. “Take what is absolutely essential and leave me.”

      This quote highlights Dalinar’s need for solitude and his command over his environment, emphasizing his exhaustion and desire to detach from the chaos of war to reflect and process his thoughts.

      2. “Most of all, he was glad that—despite today’s important battle—the conflict was not over. Storms, he loved this feeling. Today, hundreds had tried to bring him down, and he’d left them ashen and broken.”

      This passage captures Dalinar’s love for the thrill of battle and his resilience, underscoring the chapter’s theme of warfare as both a literal and personal struggle that defines his identity.

      3. “He yearned for those early days, when their fights had been more rowdy, less coordinated. Well, he wasn’t a youth anymore, and he’d learned in Herdaz that he no longer had Gavilar to do the hard parts of this job.”

      This quote reflects Dalinar’s nostalgia and acceptance of his evolution from reckless youth to a seasoned leader, acknowledging the burdens of leadership and the loss of past camaraderie.

      4. “Out here, he had a reward. At the end of all the planning, the strategy, and the debates with generals, came the Thrill.”

      This statement emphasizes the concept of the ‘Thrill’ as the essential reward for Dalinar—a sense of purpose and exhilaration found in warfare, contrasting with the mundane aspects of military logistics.

      5. “He briefly felt a spike of shame. But why should he? This was his warcamp—here he was the Blackthorn. This was the place where his domestic life should have no purchase on him! By coming here, she invaded that.”

      This quote reveals Dalinar’s internal conflict about maintaining his identity as a warrior versus his personal life, and how external perceptions threaten his sense of self in his own space.

    Quotes

    1. “This is now my audience tent,” Dalinar said, not opening his eyes. “Take what is absolutely essential and leave me.”

    This quote highlights Dalinar’s need for solitude and his command over his environment, emphasizing his exhaustion and desire to detach from the chaos of war to reflect and process his thoughts.

    2. “Most of all, he was glad that—despite today’s important battle—the conflict was not over. Storms, he loved this feeling. Today, hundreds had tried to bring him down, and he’d left them ashen and broken.”

    This passage captures Dalinar’s love for the thrill of battle and his resilience, underscoring the chapter’s theme of warfare as both a literal and personal struggle that defines his identity.

    3. “He yearned for those early days, when their fights had been more rowdy, less coordinated. Well, he wasn’t a youth anymore, and he’d learned in Herdaz that he no longer had Gavilar to do the hard parts of this job.”

    This quote reflects Dalinar’s nostalgia and acceptance of his evolution from reckless youth to a seasoned leader, acknowledging the burdens of leadership and the loss of past camaraderie.

    4. “Out here, he had a reward. At the end of all the planning, the strategy, and the debates with generals, came the Thrill.”

    This statement emphasizes the concept of the ‘Thrill’ as the essential reward for Dalinar—a sense of purpose and exhilaration found in warfare, contrasting with the mundane aspects of military logistics.

    5. “He briefly felt a spike of shame. But why should he? This was his warcamp—here he was the Blackthorn. This was the place where his domestic life should have no purchase on him! By coming here, she invaded that.”

    This quote reveals Dalinar’s internal conflict about maintaining his identity as a warrior versus his personal life, and how external perceptions threaten his sense of self in his own space.

    FAQs

    1. What does Dalinar’s physical state and actions upon returning to camp reveal about his character and the burdens he carries?

    Answer:
    Dalinar’s exhaustion and the meticulous process of disassembling his armor highlight his relentless dedication and physical toll from years of campaigning. His fatigue, evidenced by the fogged helm and his effort to maintain a martial posture despite exhaustion, underscores his role as a leader burdened by constant warfare. His decision to sit on travel cushions and his desire for solitude reflect a need for mental respite amid ongoing responsibilities. These details portray him as a resilient but weary leader, driven by duty and the weight of command, illustrating the emotional and physical costs of leadership in war.

    2. How does Dalinar’s strategic perspective in the battle report reflect his leadership style and military philosophy?

    Answer:
    Dalinar’s approach to the victory—emphasizing the importance of not fully trapping the enemy to allow retreat—demonstrates his pragmatic and humane military philosophy. He recognizes that a rout with minimal losses (only about two hundred out of thousands) is more advantageous than an extermination, which could foster hatred and future conflict. His advice to avoid boxing in the Vedens shows his understanding of warfare as a means not just of destruction but of strategic advantage, emphasizing the importance of mobility, psychological impact, and long-term stability. This reveals Dalinar as a leader who values tactical intelligence and moral considerations alongside battlefield success.

    3. What does the interaction between Dalinar and Evi reveal about the tensions between military duty and personal life?

    Answer:
    The interaction exposes the strain that Dalinar’s military responsibilities place on his personal life and domestic relationships. Evi’s presence at the warcamp, her concern about his hygiene, and her comment about women at the camp highlight the disconnect and tension between his role as a warrior and husband. Dalinar’s reaction—initial shock and frustration—reflects his struggle to balance the demands of leadership with his personal bonds. His sharp response and concern about their children’s presence at the front underscore the emotional toll and societal expectations, illustrating the complex tension between duty and family in a wartime context.

    4. How does the chapter depict the theme of leadership and sacrifice?

    Answer:
    The chapter portrays leadership as a demanding role that involves physical and emotional sacrifice. Dalinar’s fatigue and focus on strategy reveal the personal toll of leading armies and making critical decisions. His strategic patience, willingness to endure exhaustion, and focus on long-term victory over immediate gratification exemplify self-sacrifice for the greater good. The chapter also hints at the sacrifices of others, such as Kadash risking injury and the soldiers enduring hardships. Dalinar’s internal reflections and his interactions with Evi emphasize that true leadership requires balancing personal sacrifice with moral responsibility, often at the expense of personal comfort and relationships.

    5. In what ways does the chapter foreshadow Dalinar’s internal conflicts and future challenges?

    Answer:
    The chapter hints at Dalinar’s internal struggles through his thoughts about the ongoing war, logistical challenges, and the weight of command. His longing for the earlier, less coordinated fights suggests nostalgia for a simpler time, contrasting with the complex, strategic warfare he now faces. His reflection on the importance of the Thrill, which he cherishes, foreshadows internal conflicts related to his emotional and possibly spiritual state. The confrontation with Evi and his reaction to her concerns about family hint at deeper personal conflicts—balancing love, duty, and the burden of leadership. These elements set the stage for future challenges involving internal moral dilemmas and the evolution of his character.

    Note