The Well of Ascension
17
by Sanderson, BrandonVin finds herself overwhelmed by the task of organizing information from the logbook about the Hero of Ages, realizing she must take notes despite her aversion to writing. Surrounded by scattered papers, she reluctantly gathers writing materials, recalling her brother Reen’s dismissive attitude toward her education. Her frustration with the process contrasts with Elend’s effortless writing habits, highlighting her discomfort with formal tasks. The scene underscores Vin’s pragmatic nature and her struggle to adapt to scholarly work.
As Vin settles on the floor to write, OreSeur humorously points out the irony of avoiding the writing desk. Their banter reveals a rare moment of levity in their strained relationship, with OreSeur’s dry wit contrasting Vin’s stubbornness. Vin defends her preference for the floor, emphasizing her unconventional habits. The exchange adds depth to their dynamic, showing OreSeur’s subtle teasing and Vin’s resistance to traditional norms.
The moment is interrupted by Elend’s arrival, dressed in a striking white costume that momentarily confuses Vin. His transformed appearance—sharp, regal, and commanding—startles her, triggering her instincts before she recognizes him. The costume symbolizes a shift in Elend’s demeanor, hinting at his growing role as a leader. Vin’s reaction highlights her heightened alertness and the contrast between Elend’s new image and his usual casual style.
The chapter closes with Vin noticing Elend’s haircut, a physical change mirroring his broader transformation. Her surprise reflects her sensitivity to details and the evolving dynamics between them. The scene blends introspection, humor, and tension, showcasing Vin’s adaptability and the subtle shifts in relationships and identities. The chapter effectively balances character development with plot progression, leaving readers curious about Elend’s new role.
FAQs
1. How does Vin’s attitude toward writing change in this chapter, and what does this reveal about her character development?
Answer:
Vin begins the chapter with a reluctant acknowledgment that she needs to take notes from the logbook, despite her long-held belief that writing is largely unnecessary. Her recollection of Reen’s dismissive attitude toward writing (“He’d thought that writing was less useful”) contrasts with her growing appreciation for its practical value, as demonstrated by Elend’s frequent use of writing for governance. This shift shows Vin’s continued movement away from her street urchin mindset toward adopting more scholarly habits, reflecting her adaptation to her new role among nobility and her commitment to solving the mysteries of the logbook.2. Analyze the significance of OreSeur’s commentary about Vin’s choice to write on the floor instead of at the desk. What does this interaction reveal about their relationship?
Answer:
OreSeur’s dry observation about Vin ignoring the writing desk highlights both his wit and their evolving dynamic. His teasing tone (“If they prove too heavy, you could always burn pewter”) demonstrates a subtle shift from outright hostility to a more familiar, almost playful rapport. Vin’s internal monologue (“Blasted dog’s face… Too hard to read”) shows she’s still adjusting to interpreting kandra expressions, but their exchange suggests growing comfort. This interaction serves as a microcosm of their relationship’s progression from strained tolerance toward mutual understanding.3. Why does Vin have such a strong reaction to Elend’s new appearance, and what might this symbolize in the context of their relationship?
Answer:
Vin’s reflexive combat stance when seeing Elend in his regal costume (“jumping up and flaring pewter”) reveals how dramatically his transformation affects her perception. The white uniform makes him appear “more commanding, more regal,” momentarily making him seem like a stranger. This visceral reaction symbolizes the tension between Elend’s evolving identity as a king and Vin’s comfort with his previous, less formal self. The moment captures the broader theme of how their relationship must adapt as they both grow into their new roles—Vin as a scholar and Elend as a leader.4. Compare Vin’s approach to problem-solving in this chapter with her methods earlier in the story. What does her systematic organization of papers and determination to write notes indicate?
Answer:
Earlier in the story, Vin relied primarily on physical skills and instinct. Here, she methodically creates “overlapping piles turned in odd directions to keep them separate,” showing analytical thinking. Her grudging acceptance of writing as a tool (“Apparently, however, writing had uses”) demonstrates intellectual maturation. This contrasts sharply with Reen’s utilitarian view of literacy (“to decipher contracts”). Her systematic approach mirrors Elend’s scholarly habits, showing how she’s synthesizing his intellectual methods with her natural persistence—a key development in her ability to tackle complex, non-physical challenges like deciphering prophecies.
Quotes
1. “What were the prophecies about the Hero of Ages? How did the logbook author know where to go, and what did he think he’d have to do when he got there?”
This opening thought from Vin establishes the central mystery driving her research—the prophecies of the Hero of Ages and their connection to the logbook. It frames the chapter’s exploration of ancient lore and foreshadows Vin’s growing obsession with these questions.
2. “She’d never used it before; in fact, she’d complained about it to Elend. What need did she have of a writing desk?”
This quote highlights Vin’s character growth as she reluctantly embraces scholarly work, contrasting her current intellectual pursuits with her former street urchin mentality. The desk becomes symbolic of her evolving identity.
3. “‘Mistress,’ OreSeur noted, still lying with his paws before him, ‘you do realize that you just left the writing desk behind to sit on the floor.’ […] ‘The purpose of a writing desk is, well, writing.’”
This humorous exchange between Vin and OreSeur reveals their developing dynamic while subtly commenting on Vin’s continued resistance to formal conventions despite her scholarly efforts. The kandra’s dry observation underscores Vin’s unconventional approach to everything.
4. “For just the briefest flash of a moment, she thought he was someone else. Her instincts kicked in before her brain, and she reflexively dropped the pen, jumping up and flaring pewter.”
This pivotal moment captures Vin’s lingering survival instincts and the shocking transformation of Elend into a regal figure. The physical reaction demonstrates how deeply her mistrustful past still affects her, even in safe environments.
5. “‘That much of a change, eh?’ Elend asked, holding out his arms so she could get a better look at his costume.”
This simple line carries significant weight as it marks a turning point in Elend’s character development—his transition from scholar to ruler is now physically manifest, surprising even Vin with its dramatic effect.