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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

    78. The Revel

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter opens with a strate­gic alliance among schol­ar Radi­ants aimed at dis­rupt­ing the enemy’s sup­ply of Void­light, which is cru­cial for their trans­for­ma­tions and pow­er. This coali­tion’s goal is to weak­en the oppo­si­tion by deny­ing them vital resources, there­by gain­ing an advan­tage in ongo­ing con­flicts. The focus on this clan­des­tine effort high­lights the impor­tance of intel­li­gence and covert oper­a­tions in their broad­er strug­gle. It under­scores the del­i­cate bal­ance of alliances and the tac­ti­cal mea­sures tak­en to ensure their side’s sur­vival and dom­i­nance in the ongo­ing war.

    Veil’s char­ac­ter is cen­tral to the nar­ra­tive, reveal­ing her inter­nal con­flict as she expos­es her­self dur­ing a covert oper­a­tion. She is dis­guised as “Swift­spren,” and her pres­ence at a clan­des­tine rev­el involves nav­i­gat­ing sus­pi­cion and dan­ger. Veil wres­tles with her iden­ti­ty, con­tem­plat­ing whether to adopt a false per­sona or remain true to her­self, know­ing the ene­my could rec­og­nize her. Her inter­nal dia­logue reflects her strug­gle with authen­tic­i­ty and sur­vival, as she sup­press­es the desire to aban­don her true self for a safer, more fab­ri­cat­ed iden­ti­ty, empha­siz­ing her resilience and com­plex­i­ty.

    As Veil approach­es the Oath­gate plat­form, she encoun­ters cult mem­bers and guards who are sus­pi­cious of her inten­tions. She main­tains her com­po­sure, pre­sent­ing her­self as some­one seek­ing enlight­en­ment and answers from the ris­ing orange glow at the top of the plat­form. Her strate­gic behav­ior and care­ful nego­ti­a­tions reveal her skill in decep­tion and her under­stand­ing of the cult’s rit­u­als. Veil’s plan involves climb­ing the steps to con­front the unknown, trust­ing her allies’ tests and her own resolve, with her safe­ty hing­ing on her abil­i­ty to blend in and stay alert to threats.

    Mean­while, the nar­ra­tive shifts to Kaladin, who is engaged in a rou­tine patrol and reflects on the after­math of a storm in the city. His obser­va­tions of the dam­aged build­ings and the strange behav­ior of the wind­spren set a tone of unease. The scene tran­si­tions to a for­mal mil­i­tary inspec­tion led by Azure, show­cas­ing the dis­ci­pline and morale of the troops. Kaladin’s inter­ac­tions reveal his aspi­ra­tions and the respect he gar­ners with­in the mil­i­tary hier­ar­chy, while also hint­ing at under­ly­ing ten­sions and the broad­er polit­i­cal land­scape. The chap­ter ends with a glimpse of Veil reach­ing a small­er, more refined monastery, hint­ing at her ongo­ing mis­sion and the larg­er mys­ter­ies await­ing her.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What strategic goal is the coalition of scholar Radiants trying to achieve, and how does this goal relate to their broader conflict?

      Answer:
      The coalition of scholar Radiants aims to deny the enemy their supply of Voidlight, which is crucial for their ongoing transformations. By cutting off this resource, they hope to prevent the enemy from progressing further in their power and gaining an advantage in combat. This strategy is vital because Voidlight sustains the enemy’s ability to transform and evolve, making it a key resource in their broader conflict. Controlling or depriving the enemy of Voidlight allows the Radiants to weaken their adversaries’ offensive capabilities, positioning themselves better in the struggle for dominance and survival.

      2. How does Veil’s internal conflict about her identity and disguise reflect her understanding of her role and the risks involved in her mission?

      Answer:
      Veil’s internal dialogue reveals her awareness that her true identity is exposed and that she must decide whether to maintain her disguise or reveal herself. She recognizes that creating a false persona might protect her from enemies, but she also feels that Veil is too vital and real to abandon. Her internal struggle indicates her understanding of the risks—if she reveals herself, she risks exposure and danger; if she continues pretending, she might compromise her authenticity or effectiveness. Her resolve to go as herself, despite knowing the enemy recognizes her, underscores her commitment to her role and the importance she places on authenticity, even at personal risk.

      3. In what ways does the scene at the Oathgate platform illustrate themes of trust and testing within covert operations?

      Answer:
      The scene shows Veil navigating a delicate situation where she must trust that her contacts and the cultists have passed some form of test, indicated by their subtle nods and the instructions given to her. Her assertion that she wants to climb the steps to enlightenment and her willingness to proceed signifies her trust in the process and her belief that her mission aligns with the cult’s expectations. The fact that the cultists allow her to ascend, suggesting she has passed some test, highlights how covert operations often rely on signals, subtle cues, and mutual trust. It emphasizes the importance of reading and interpreting these signs accurately to succeed in clandestine missions.

      4. How does Kaladin’s perception of the city after a storm and his role within the military reflect his character development and values?

      Answer:
      Kaladin’s appreciation for the city’s cleanliness after a storm and his attentiveness during the patrol reflect his deep sense of responsibility and desire for order and safety. His observations of the damage from lightning strikes and the presence of corrupted windspren show his awareness of the ongoing dangers and his concern for his community. His participation in the formal inspection and his desire to dine with the highmarshal demonstrate his respect for discipline and his aspiration to rise in rank. Overall, these details highlight Kaladin’s values of duty, vigilance, and a longing for stability and leadership, marking his ongoing development from a soldier with personal struggles to a committed protector.

      5. What does the highmarshal Azure’s behavior and manner during the dinner suggest about her leadership style and personality?

      Answer:
      Azure’s calm, commanding presence and her formal inspection during dinner reveal her as a disciplined and confident leader. She maintains a professional demeanor, focusing on ensuring her troops are well-prepared and motivated. Her careful observation of the men’s equipment and her quiet, authoritative manner suggest she values competence and order. Her decision to dine separately and her composed attitude indicate she is deliberate and strategic, possibly reserved but capable of inspiring loyalty and morale through her actions and words. These traits portray her as a strong, competent leader who prioritizes discipline and excellence within her ranks.

    Quotes

    • 1. “A coalition has been formed among scholar Radiants. Our goal is to deny the enemy their supply of Voidlight; this will prevent their continuing transformations, and give us an edge in combat.”

      This quote highlights the strategic alliance formed among the Radiants, emphasizing the importance of controlling Voidlight as a means of gaining an advantage in their ongoing conflict. It encapsulates the chapter’s focus on tactical cooperation and the significance of Voidlight in their struggle.

      2. “Veil had exposed herself.”

      This concise statement marks a pivotal moment of vulnerability, revealing Veil’s internal conflict about maintaining her disguise and her true identity. It underscores themes of deception and self-awareness that run throughout her storyline.

      3. “Veil is a false face, a part of her said. You could always abandon her.”

      This introspective line delves into Veil’s internal dialogue, exploring her struggle between her constructed identity and her authentic self. It represents the chapter’s exploration of identity, masks, and the tension between survival and authenticity.

      4. “You may climb the steps to enlightenment,” the cultist in white told her. “Your guide will meet you at the top.”

      This quote signifies Veil’s ongoing journey toward understanding and possibly transformation, framing her ascent as a metaphor for seeking enlightenment or answers. It also hints at the manipulative nature of the cult and the promises of revelation.

      5. “Kaladin normally liked the feeling of the city after a storm. Clean and fresh, washed of grime and refuse.”

      This opening line for Kaladin’s section contrasts the aftermath of a storm with the state of the city, symbolizing renewal and the fragile peace that follows chaos. It introduces themes of resilience and the calm after upheaval, setting the tone for his narrative arc.

    Quotes

    1. “A coalition has been formed among scholar Radiants. Our goal is to deny the enemy their supply of Voidlight; this will prevent their continuing transformations, and give us an edge in combat.”

    This quote highlights the strategic alliance formed among the Radiants, emphasizing the importance of controlling Voidlight as a means of gaining an advantage in their ongoing conflict. It encapsulates the chapter’s focus on tactical cooperation and the significance of Voidlight in their struggle.

    2. “Veil had exposed herself.”

    This concise statement marks a pivotal moment of vulnerability, revealing Veil’s internal conflict about maintaining her disguise and her true identity. It underscores themes of deception and self-awareness that run throughout her storyline.

    3. “Veil is a false face, a part of her said. You could always abandon her.”

    This introspective line delves into Veil’s internal dialogue, exploring her struggle between her constructed identity and her authentic self. It represents the chapter’s exploration of identity, masks, and the tension between survival and authenticity.

    4. “You may climb the steps to enlightenment,” the cultist in white told her. “Your guide will meet you at the top.”

    This quote signifies Veil’s ongoing journey toward understanding and possibly transformation, framing her ascent as a metaphor for seeking enlightenment or answers. It also hints at the manipulative nature of the cult and the promises of revelation.

    5. “Kaladin normally liked the feeling of the city after a storm. Clean and fresh, washed of grime and refuse.”

    This opening line for Kaladin’s section contrasts the aftermath of a storm with the state of the city, symbolizing renewal and the fragile peace that follows chaos. It introduces themes of resilience and the calm after upheaval, setting the tone for his narrative arc.

    FAQs

    1. What strategic goal is the coalition of scholar Radiants trying to achieve, and how does this goal relate to their broader conflict?

    Answer:
    The coalition of scholar Radiants aims to deny the enemy their supply of Voidlight, which is crucial for their ongoing transformations. By cutting off this resource, they hope to prevent the enemy from progressing further in their power and gaining an advantage in combat. This strategy is vital because Voidlight sustains the enemy’s ability to transform and evolve, making it a key resource in their broader conflict. Controlling or depriving the enemy of Voidlight allows the Radiants to weaken their adversaries’ offensive capabilities, positioning themselves better in the struggle for dominance and survival.

    2. How does Veil’s internal conflict about her identity and disguise reflect her understanding of her role and the risks involved in her mission?

    Answer:
    Veil’s internal dialogue reveals her awareness that her true identity is exposed and that she must decide whether to maintain her disguise or reveal herself. She recognizes that creating a false persona might protect her from enemies, but she also feels that Veil is too vital and real to abandon. Her internal struggle indicates her understanding of the risks—if she reveals herself, she risks exposure and danger; if she continues pretending, she might compromise her authenticity or effectiveness. Her resolve to go as herself, despite knowing the enemy recognizes her, underscores her commitment to her role and the importance she places on authenticity, even at personal risk.

    3. In what ways does the scene at the Oathgate platform illustrate themes of trust and testing within covert operations?

    Answer:
    The scene shows Veil navigating a delicate situation where she must trust that her contacts and the cultists have passed some form of test, indicated by their subtle nods and the instructions given to her. Her assertion that she wants to climb the steps to enlightenment and her willingness to proceed signifies her trust in the process and her belief that her mission aligns with the cult’s expectations. The fact that the cultists allow her to ascend, suggesting she has passed some test, highlights how covert operations often rely on signals, subtle cues, and mutual trust. It emphasizes the importance of reading and interpreting these signs accurately to succeed in clandestine missions.

    4. How does Kaladin’s perception of the city after a storm and his role within the military reflect his character development and values?

    Answer:
    Kaladin’s appreciation for the city’s cleanliness after a storm and his attentiveness during the patrol reflect his deep sense of responsibility and desire for order and safety. His observations of the damage from lightning strikes and the presence of corrupted windspren show his awareness of the ongoing dangers and his concern for his community. His participation in the formal inspection and his desire to dine with the highmarshal demonstrate his respect for discipline and his aspiration to rise in rank. Overall, these details highlight Kaladin’s values of duty, vigilance, and a longing for stability and leadership, marking his ongoing development from a soldier with personal struggles to a committed protector.

    5. What does the highmarshal Azure’s behavior and manner during the dinner suggest about her leadership style and personality?

    Answer:
    Azure’s calm, commanding presence and her formal inspection during dinner reveal her as a disciplined and confident leader. She maintains a professional demeanor, focusing on ensuring her troops are well-prepared and motivated. Her careful observation of the men’s equipment and her quiet, authoritative manner suggest she values competence and order. Her decision to dine separately and her composed attitude indicate she is deliberate and strategic, possibly reserved but capable of inspiring loyalty and morale through her actions and words. These traits portray her as a strong, competent leader who prioritizes discipline and excellence within her ranks.

    Note