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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

    120. The Spear That Would Not Break

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter opens with Kaladin soar­ing through the sky, revi­tal­ized by Storm­light, and observ­ing the bat­tle­field below, where Dali­nar approach­es the encroach­ing red mist. Kaladin’s reflec­tions reveal his inter­nal strug­gle with self-doubt and guilt, espe­cial­ly regard­ing his per­ceived fail­ures and the bur­den of his respon­si­bil­i­ties. Syl, his spren, offers a gen­tle reminder of his ten­den­cy toward self-crit­i­cism, high­light­ing Kaladin’s ongo­ing inter­nal con­flict about his wor­thi­ness and the Fourth Ide­al. Despite these doubts, Kaladin’s renewed pur­pose is evi­dent as he pre­pares to pro­tect Dali­nar and engage direct­ly in the chaos of the ongo­ing bat­tle, empha­siz­ing the impor­tance of the jour­ney over the des­ti­na­tion.

    As the scene shifts to Adolin, he awak­ens from a near-death expe­ri­ence, feel­ing a mix of relief and intro­spec­tion. His injuries are minor, yet the encounter leaves him con­tem­plat­ing his own brav­ery and wor­thi­ness, espe­cial­ly in com­par­i­son to his father. Adolin’s humor­ous remarks about cloth­ing and his grat­i­tude towards those who saved him reveal his resilient spir­it and humil­i­ty. He rec­og­nizes his role in the fight, choos­ing to aid the defend­ers and sup­port the city’s efforts. His inter­ac­tion with Shal­lan and the cre­ation of illu­sions demon­strate his growth as a Radi­ant, will­ing to step into the chaos and con­tribute mean­ing­ful­ly to the war effort, even with­out a spe­cif­ic com­mand.

    Mean­while, Szeth’s per­spec­tive intro­duces a dark­er tone, as he envies Kaladin’s hon­or and sense of pur­pose. Szeth is depict­ed as a con­flict­ed and tor­ment­ed assas­sin, bound by his oaths and master’s demands. His inter­ac­tion with Lift and the mys­te­ri­ous enti­ty with­in his Shard­blade reveals a com­plex rela­tion­ship with moral­i­ty and iden­ti­ty. Szeth’s inter­nal dia­logue and the humor­ous ban­ter of the sword high­light his strug­gles to rec­on­cile his duty with his own sense of good­ness. The nar­ra­tive explores themes of redemp­tion, moral ambi­gu­i­ty, and the choice to fol­low one’s oath despite the dark­ness sur­round­ing him.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with a tense con­fronta­tion between Kaladin and Ama­ram, expos­ing the depths of Kaladin’s dis­dain for his for­mer master’s cor­rup­tion. Amaram’s manip­u­la­tive words and actions reveal his true nature as a vil­lain who claims to have forged Kaladin but in real­i­ty seeks to dom­i­nate and con­trol. Kaladin’s defi­ant response under­scores his resolve to fight against injus­tice and tyran­ny, empha­siz­ing the over­ar­ch­ing themes of hon­or, resilience, and the fight for moral integri­ty amidst chaos. The lay­ered per­spec­tives and intense action under­score the com­plex­i­ty of the char­ac­ters’ strug­gles and the larg­er bat­tle shap­ing their world.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What is the significance of the quote at the beginning of the chapter, and how does it relate to the theme of the story?

      Answer:
      The quote from The Way of Kings’ postscript—”If the journey itself is indeed the most important piece, rather than the destination itself, then I traveled not to avoid duty—but to seek it”—emphasizes the importance of the process and personal growth over merely reaching a goal. In the context of the chapter, this reflects the characters’ journeys—Kaladin’s internal struggle, Dalinar’s leadership, and others’ efforts amid chaos. It underscores that the true value lies in the choices, sacrifices, and lessons learned along the way, aligning with the chapter’s focus on heroism, self-reflection, and the pursuit of duty beyond mere obligation.

      2. How does Kaladin’s internal dialogue and interaction with Syl reveal his character development and internal conflicts?

      Answer:
      Kaladin’s thoughts reveal a deep sense of self-awareness and internal struggle. His self-berating attitude—Syl’s comment about him not needing another reason to blame himself—shows his tendency toward guilt and self-doubt, particularly regarding his ability to speak the Fourth Ideal. Despite his growing powers and role as a protector, he remains burdened by feelings of inadequacy. His interaction with Syl highlights his ongoing internal conflict: the desire to be better and fulfill his duties versus the tendency to criticize himself harshly. This dynamic illustrates that his journey involves not only external battles but also overcoming internal doubts to embrace his true potential.

      3. In what ways do the characters’ actions during the chaos—such as Adolin’s decision to help and Shallan’s illusions—demonstrate different approaches to leadership and heroism?

      Answer:
      The characters exhibit varied responses to the chaos, reflecting their personalities and understanding of heroism. Adolin, despite feeling unworthy, chooses to help inside the city, embodying humility and a willingness to serve where needed. His act of picking up a sword and heading into the fray shows practical bravery rooted in duty. Conversely, Shallan demonstrates strategic heroism through her illusions, creating an army of images to distract and protect others. Her approach emphasizes mental resilience and ingenuity, using deception and illusion as tools for defense. Together, their actions illustrate that heroism can manifest in both direct physical intervention and clever tactical efforts, highlighting diverse leadership styles.

      4. What does Szeth’s internal dialogue and his interaction with the sword reveal about his character and moral struggles?

      Answer:
      Szeth’s internal dialogue and his conversation with the sword reveal a complex character torn between duty and morality. His envy of Kaladin’s role in protecting Dalinar shows a desire to serve honorably, yet he is haunted by his past murders and the whispers of darkness in the shadows he creates. His acknowledgment that he is “not good at being a person” indicates his struggle with moral failure and self-acceptance. The sword’s humorous and contradictory comments reflect Szeth’s internal conflict—he is burdened by his actions but also tries to find a semblance of identity and purpose. This dynamic underscores Szeth’s ongoing battle with guilt, honor, and the desire for redemption.

      5. How does the chapter explore the theme of sacrifice, and what message does it convey about the nature of true heroism?

      Answer:
      The chapter vividly depicts sacrifice through characters like Kaladin, Dalinar, Adolin, and Shallan, all of whom put themselves at risk to protect others and serve a greater purpose. Kaladin’s willingness to protect Dalinar despite his internal doubts, Adolin’s effort to help inside the city, and Shallan’s illusions to distract enemies exemplify different facets of sacrifice—personal safety, duty, and strategic intervention. The message conveyed is that true heroism involves selflessness, inner strength, and a commitment to others, often requiring individuals to face danger and uncertainty. The chapter emphasizes that heroism is not just about individual glory but about the willingness to sacrifice for the collective good, reinforcing the idea that the journey of duty is as meaningful as its destination.

    Quotes

    • 1. “If the journey itself is indeed the most important piece, rather than the destination itself, then I traveled not to avoid duty—but to seek it.”

      This quote encapsulates the chapter’s reflection on purpose and meaning, emphasizing that the process of striving and discovery holds greater value than the end goal. It highlights the chapter’s theme of personal growth and the significance of the journey.

      2. “Stormlight raging inside of him, the Sylspear a comfortable weight in his hand, he Lashed himself downward and crashed to the stones near Amaram.”

      This moment marks Kaladin’s renewed resolve and active engagement in protecting Dalinar, illustrating the chapter’s focus on resilience and the importance of action in the face of chaos.

      3. “She wove her power, and an army climbed from the ground around her. Hundreds of illusions rose—soldiers, shopkeepers, washwomen, scribes—all drawn from her pages. They glowed brilliantly, Light streaming from them—as if each were a Knight Radiant.”

      This passage demonstrates the incredible power of Shallan’s illusions and her role as a Radiant, emphasizing themes of perception, deception, and the strength of knowledge through artistry.

      4. “You aren’t evil. You’re nice. And I don’t eat people.”

      This humorous yet profound exchange between Szeth and the sword underscores the theme of identity and self-perception, illustrating how the characters grapple with their nature and roles within the story.

      5. “I created you, spearman. I forged you.”

      This statement from Amaram reveals his manipulative perspective and the destructive influence of power and pride, serving as a pivotal moment that questions notions of creation, control, and moral responsibility.

    Quotes

    1. “If the journey itself is indeed the most important piece, rather than the destination itself, then I traveled not to avoid duty—but to seek it.”

    This quote encapsulates the chapter’s reflection on purpose and meaning, emphasizing that the process of striving and discovery holds greater value than the end goal. It highlights the chapter’s theme of personal growth and the significance of the journey.

    2. “Stormlight raging inside of him, the Sylspear a comfortable weight in his hand, he Lashed himself downward and crashed to the stones near Amaram.”

    This moment marks Kaladin’s renewed resolve and active engagement in protecting Dalinar, illustrating the chapter’s focus on resilience and the importance of action in the face of chaos.

    3. “She wove her power, and an army climbed from the ground around her. Hundreds of illusions rose—soldiers, shopkeepers, washwomen, scribes—all drawn from her pages. They glowed brilliantly, Light streaming from them—as if each were a Knight Radiant.”

    This passage demonstrates the incredible power of Shallan’s illusions and her role as a Radiant, emphasizing themes of perception, deception, and the strength of knowledge through artistry.

    4. “You aren’t evil. You’re nice. And I don’t eat people.”

    This humorous yet profound exchange between Szeth and the sword underscores the theme of identity and self-perception, illustrating how the characters grapple with their nature and roles within the story.

    5. “I created you, spearman. I forged you.”

    This statement from Amaram reveals his manipulative perspective and the destructive influence of power and pride, serving as a pivotal moment that questions notions of creation, control, and moral responsibility.

    FAQs

    1. What is the significance of the quote at the beginning of the chapter, and how does it relate to the theme of the story?

    Answer:
    The quote from The Way of Kings’ postscript—”If the journey itself is indeed the most important piece, rather than the destination itself, then I traveled not to avoid duty—but to seek it”—emphasizes the importance of the process and personal growth over merely reaching a goal. In the context of the chapter, this reflects the characters’ journeys—Kaladin’s internal struggle, Dalinar’s leadership, and others’ efforts amid chaos. It underscores that the true value lies in the choices, sacrifices, and lessons learned along the way, aligning with the chapter’s focus on heroism, self-reflection, and the pursuit of duty beyond mere obligation.

    2. How does Kaladin’s internal dialogue and interaction with Syl reveal his character development and internal conflicts?

    Answer:
    Kaladin’s thoughts reveal a deep sense of self-awareness and internal struggle. His self-berating attitude—Syl’s comment about him not needing another reason to blame himself—shows his tendency toward guilt and self-doubt, particularly regarding his ability to speak the Fourth Ideal. Despite his growing powers and role as a protector, he remains burdened by feelings of inadequacy. His interaction with Syl highlights his ongoing internal conflict: the desire to be better and fulfill his duties versus the tendency to criticize himself harshly. This dynamic illustrates that his journey involves not only external battles but also overcoming internal doubts to embrace his true potential.

    3. In what ways do the characters’ actions during the chaos—such as Adolin’s decision to help and Shallan’s illusions—demonstrate different approaches to leadership and heroism?

    Answer:
    The characters exhibit varied responses to the chaos, reflecting their personalities and understanding of heroism. Adolin, despite feeling unworthy, chooses to help inside the city, embodying humility and a willingness to serve where needed. His act of picking up a sword and heading into the fray shows practical bravery rooted in duty. Conversely, Shallan demonstrates strategic heroism through her illusions, creating an army of images to distract and protect others. Her approach emphasizes mental resilience and ingenuity, using deception and illusion as tools for defense. Together, their actions illustrate that heroism can manifest in both direct physical intervention and clever tactical efforts, highlighting diverse leadership styles.

    4. What does Szeth’s internal dialogue and his interaction with the sword reveal about his character and moral struggles?

    Answer:
    Szeth’s internal dialogue and his conversation with the sword reveal a complex character torn between duty and morality. His envy of Kaladin’s role in protecting Dalinar shows a desire to serve honorably, yet he is haunted by his past murders and the whispers of darkness in the shadows he creates. His acknowledgment that he is “not good at being a person” indicates his struggle with moral failure and self-acceptance. The sword’s humorous and contradictory comments reflect Szeth’s internal conflict—he is burdened by his actions but also tries to find a semblance of identity and purpose. This dynamic underscores Szeth’s ongoing battle with guilt, honor, and the desire for redemption.

    5. How does the chapter explore the theme of sacrifice, and what message does it convey about the nature of true heroism?

    Answer:
    The chapter vividly depicts sacrifice through characters like Kaladin, Dalinar, Adolin, and Shallan, all of whom put themselves at risk to protect others and serve a greater purpose. Kaladin’s willingness to protect Dalinar despite his internal doubts, Adolin’s effort to help inside the city, and Shallan’s illusions to distract enemies exemplify different facets of sacrifice—personal safety, duty, and strategic intervention. The message conveyed is that true heroism involves selflessness, inner strength, and a commitment to others, often requiring individuals to face danger and uncertainty. The chapter emphasizes that heroism is not just about individual glory but about the willingness to sacrifice for the collective good, reinforcing the idea that the journey of duty is as meaningful as its destination.

    Note