Mistborn: The Final Empire
7
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a tense reunion between Kelsier and his brother Marsh, who has noticeably changed since their last encounter three years prior. Despite Marsh’s stern demeanor and air of disapproval, Kelsier attempts to engage him in conversation, only to be met with hostility. Marsh confronts Kelsier about the eleven men he killed the previous night, accusing him of callousness. Kelsier dismisses the deaths, justifying them as necessary for opposing the Final Empire, while Marsh emphasizes the humanity of the victims, including skaa who were merely trying to survive.
Their argument escalates as Marsh accuses Kelsier of hijacking the rebellion for personal gain, pointing to the mention of “atium” on Kelsier’s planning board. Kelsier insists his motives are not financial but driven by a deeper purpose, though Marsh remains skeptical, citing Kelsier’s history of selfishness. The brothers’ dynamic is fraught with unresolved tension, as Marsh challenges Kelsier’s sincerity and commitment to the skaa cause, while Kelsier defends his actions as a genuine effort to overthrow the oppressive regime.
Marsh reveals his disillusionment with the rebellion, having witnessed its failures and the futility of past efforts. Kelsier, however, remains undeterred, leveraging his trademark humor and determination to deflect Marsh’s criticisms. He attempts to recruit Marsh for a critical role in infiltrating the Ministry, arguing that his brother’s skills are essential to the plan’s success. Marsh’s reluctance hints at deeper personal losses and a weariness that contrasts sharply with Kelsier’s relentless optimism.
The chapter concludes with an unresolved standoff, as Marsh questions Kelsier’s true intentions and the feasibility of their mission. Kelsier’s plea for help underscores his belief in their shared potential to achieve greatness, but Marsh’s hesitation reflects the emotional and practical toll of their struggle. The exchange highlights the brothers’ conflicting perspectives—Kelsier’s audacious hope versus Marsh’s hardened realism—setting the stage for future tensions and alliances in their fight against the Final Empire.
FAQs
1. How does Marsh’s attitude toward Kelsier’s actions differ from Kelsier’s own justification for killing the eleven men?
Answer:
Marsh condemns Kelsier’s killing of the eleven men, emphasizing their humanity—that they had lives, families, and some were even skaa (p. 7). He views Kelsier’s actions as reckless and cruel. In contrast, Kelsier justifies the killings by framing the men as traitors to the skaa cause and servants of the oppressive Final Empire (p. 7). His flippant tone (“humor is the only thing I’ve got left”) suggests he uses detachment to cope with violence, while Marsh’s outrage reflects his deeper moral conflict over the cost of rebellion.
2. Analyze the brothers’ conflicting perspectives on the skaa rebellion. What does this reveal about their characters?
Answer:
Marsh, once a passionate rebel leader, now believes the skaa cause is futile, stating their efforts were “never even a mild annoyance for the Lord Ruler” (p. 7). His disillusionment contrasts with Kelsier’s newfound determination to overthrow the empire. Marsh accuses Kelsier of selfish motives (revenge or profit), while Kelsier insists this is a “worthy goal” (p. 7). Their clash reveals Marsh as pragmatic but jaded, whereas Kelsier—though seemingly cavalier—embraces hope and risk, leveraging his talents (“I’m far more than just a ‘mild’ annoyance”) for a larger purpose.
3. What role does the theme of identity play in the brothers’ argument?
Answer:
Identity is central to their conflict. Marsh claims Kelsier hasn’t changed (“you’ve never been good at [facing reality]”), reducing him to a selfish liar (p. 7). Kelsier, however, asserts Marsh no longer knows him (“That’s where you’ve always been wrong”), implying personal growth (p. 7). Marsh’s identity is tied to his past sacrifices (“I watched brave people die”), while Kelsier’s is evolving—from thief to revolutionary. Their debate hinges on whether Kelsier’s new role is genuine or another performance, highlighting how identity shapes trust and purpose in their struggle.
4. How does the dialogue reveal the power dynamics between Kelsier and Marsh?
Answer:
Marsh initially dominates the conversation through physical proximity (“stopping right in front of Kelsier”) and accusatory language (“How dare you?”), asserting moral authority (p. 7). Kelsier deflects with humor but grows serious when challenged, revealing vulnerability (“This isn’t about money”). Marsh’s dismissal (“you always were a good liar”) undermines Kelsier’s credibility, yet Kelsier regains control by appealing to Marsh’s past faith in him (“you thought I could do great things”). Their dynamic shifts between confrontation and manipulation, reflecting their unresolved tension as brothers and rivals.
5. Why might Marsh’s skepticism about Kelsier’s motives be significant for the larger plot?
Answer:
Marsh’s suspicion that Kelsier seeks revenge or personal gain (“It’s about you, just like everything always is”) foreshadows potential conflicts in their alliance (p. 7). If Kelsier’s true motives are ambiguous—even to his brother—readers may question whether his rebellion is altruistic or self-serving. This tension could escalate, especially if Marsh’s role as a Ministry infiltrator forces him to choose between loyalty to Kelsier and pragmatic survival. Their disagreement also mirrors broader skaa divisions, hinting at future betrayals or ideological rifts within the rebellion.
Quotes
1. “They were men, Kelsier. They had lives, families. Several of them were skaa.”
This quote captures Marsh’s moral objection to Kelsier’s violent methods, emphasizing the humanity of their enemies. It represents a key ideological conflict between the brothers about the ethics of rebellion.
2. “Humor is the only thing I’ve got left. Humor and determination.”
Kelsier reveals his coping mechanism for the trauma he’s endured, showing his characteristic blend of levity and resolve. This quote is significant as it exposes the vulnerability beneath his flippant exterior.
3. “How dare you try and hijack the rebellion for one of your little ‘jobs’? How dare you use this dream as a way of enriching yourself?”
Marsh’s passionate accusation highlights his distrust of Kelsier’s motives and the tension between their approaches to resistance. This represents a pivotal moment where their fundamental disagreement about the rebellion’s purpose comes to a head.
4. “Even if you’re serious about this plan, you’ll fail. Everything the rebellion has done…has accomplished nothing.”
Marsh expresses the crushing realism born from years of failed resistance efforts. This quote encapsulates the chapter’s theme of hopelessness versus determination in the face of an overwhelming empire.
5. “That’s where you are wrong, Marsh. That’s where you’ve always been wrong about me.”
Kelsier’s quiet rebuttal suggests hidden depths to his character and motivations. This moment hints at the complex relationship between the brothers and foreshadows Kelsier’s potentially genuine commitment to the cause.