Oathbringer
103. Hypocrite
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a reflection on the cultural phenomenon of Death Rattles, which some traditions attribute to divine influence, but the narrator suggests they may be linked to the effects of Moelach, the Unmade, manifesting regionally across Roshar. This perspective introduces a theme of interpreting phenomena through a mystical lens, hinting at deeper, unseen forces at play in the world. The narrator’s contention challenges traditional beliefs and sets a tone of questioning accepted explanations, emphasizing the complex relationship between myth, prophecy, and reality in the story’s universe.
Dalinar awakens in an unfamiliar room, disoriented and recalling recent tumultuous events, including his excommunication from the Vorin church and his struggles with grief, frustration, and alcohol. His physical state reflects inner turmoil, and his memories hint at a period of intense suffering and self-medication. The scene underscores his vulnerability and the emotional toll of his recent experiences, establishing a backdrop of internal conflict that influences his perceptions and decisions. The environment’s details, such as the sunlight and the mural, hint at a place of significance—possibly a vision or a memory—integrating his spiritual and psychological struggles.
As Dalinar explores the room, he recognizes its connection to a vision involving Nohadon, the legendary figure who authored *The Way of Kings*. The vision’s surreal nature reveals Dalinar’s ongoing struggle to interpret divine messages, as he questions why the Stormfather’s warnings are manifesting in unpredictable ways. Encountering Nohadon in a youthful and aged state, Dalinar witnesses a scene that blurs the line between past and present, suggesting a deeper connection between his visions and the historical figure’s life. This interaction raises questions about fate, divine guidance, and Dalinar’s role in the unfolding destiny of Roshar.
The scene shifts to a vivid depiction of a bustling ancient city, contrasting sharply with Dalinar’s previous perceptions of history as dull and weathered. Nohadon, now portrayed as lively and energetic, takes Dalinar on a journey through the city, emphasizing themes of vitality, movement, and the importance of experiencing life’s simple joys. Dalinar observes the vibrant clothing, architecture, and customs, recognizing elements of his own past and the significance of understanding history not just as static relics, but as living, breathing parts of the world. The chapter concludes with Nohadon’s confident independence, reinforcing the idea that true strength lies in resilience and embracing life despite hardships.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What is Dalinar’s initial emotional state upon waking in the chapter, and how does his environment reflect or influence this state?
Answer:
Dalinar begins the chapter feeling disoriented and stiff, indicating physical and possibly mental fatigue. His environment—a room of cut stone, with sunlight streaming through an open balcony—serves as a stark contrast to his internal turmoil. The bright, unfamiliar setting and the dust motes in the sunlight create a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere that mirrors his confusion and the haziness of his recent memories, such as his days of frustration, sorrow, and alcohol use. The environment’s tranquility and the sunlight’s intensity highlight his vulnerability and the sense that he is in a liminal space between his past struggles and the potential for new insights or revelations.2. Question 2
How does Dalinar’s perception of the visions he experiences relate to his understanding of the Stormfather’s role, and what significance does the setting of his visions hold?
Answer:
Dalinar perceives his visions as both a source of guidance and danger, as evidenced by his concern that they are too risky—highlighted when he questions the Stormfather about sending him visions. The visions are significant because they serve as a connection to the past, specifically to Nohadon and the history of the world, which Dalinar seeks to understand better. The setting of his visions—initially a familiar room, then a bustling city—symbolizes a bridge between his internal struggles and the external history of his civilization. The vividness and clarity of these visions suggest they are more than mere dreams; they are a divine or mystical link that offers insights into leadership, morality, and the past, which Dalinar must interpret carefully.3. Question 3
Analyze the significance of Nohadon’s character in the chapter. What does his portrayal reveal about his role in Dalinar’s understanding of leadership and history?
Answer:
Nohadon appears as a wise, approachable figure—an older man with a playful, relatable personality, evidenced by his joke about cooking Shin loaf bread and his carefree leap off the balcony. His portrayal as a king who enjoys simple pleasures and engages in everyday activities like shopping underscores his humility and wisdom. Nohadon’s presence in the visions emphasizes his importance as a moral and historical authority, especially given his association with “The Way of Kings,” a foundational text. His actions and demeanor suggest that true leadership involves humility, connection to the common people, and a focus on moral virtues. This portrayal encourages Dalinar to reconsider what it means to be a leader and how historical figures like Nohadon embody the qualities necessary for guiding others.4. Question 4
In what ways do the visions of the past challenge or reinforce Dalinar’s current understanding of his identity and responsibilities?
Answer:
The visions challenge Dalinar by presenting a version of Nohadon—older, lively, and engaged in everyday life—that contrasts with his own struggles with grief, guilt, and perceived failures as a leader. Seeing Nohadon in such a relatable, humanized form may inspire Dalinar to reconsider his self-image and his approach to leadership. The visions reinforce the idea that true authority is rooted in humility, service, and moral integrity, rather than solely in martial prowess or titles. These insights prompt Dalinar to reflect on his responsibilities, encouraging him to adopt a more compassionate and principled approach, aligning his actions with the virtues exemplified by Nohadon.5. Question 5
How does the chapter use the setting of the market and the cityscape to symbolize the themes of connection and cultural history?
Answer:
The vibrant market and bustling cityscape serve as a vivid backdrop that symbolizes life, community, and cultural continuity. The colorful clothing, lively sounds, and the old-fashioned style of dress evoke a sense of historical richness and the enduring nature of human society. Dalinar’s observation of the attire and the energetic scene underscores the theme that history and culture are living, dynamic forces that influence the present. The setting also emphasizes the importance of understanding the past—represented by the visions of Nohadon’s time—to inform current leadership and moral choices. This lively environment reinforces the idea that history is not static but woven into everyday life, offering lessons and inspiration.
Quotes
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1. “Many cultures speak of the so-called Death Rattles that sometimes overtake people as they die. Tradition ascribes them to the Almighty, but I find too many to be seemingly prophetic. This will be my most contentious assertion I am sure, but I think these are the effects of Moelach persisting in our current times. Proof is easy to provide: the effect is regionalized, and tends to move across Roshar. This is the roving of the Unmade.”
This quote highlights the chapter’s exploration of supernatural phenomena, suggesting that what is often dismissed as divine or coincidental may have a tangible, malevolent origin—specifically the influence of the Unmade, framing a key thematic element about unseen forces.
2. “Dalinar started awake in an unfamiliar place, lying on a floor of cut stone, his back stiff. He blinked sleepily, trying to orient himself. Storms… where was he?”
This opening scene introduces Dalinar’s disoriented state, setting the tone for the chapter’s focus on visions and the mysterious, often confusing nature of his experiences, emphasizing themes of perception and reality.
3. “I know this room, I saw it in one of my visions. A highstorm must have come while he was passed out.”
This moment underscores the blending of Dalinar’s waking life with his visions, illustrating how his prophetic experiences are intertwined with real-world events, and hinting at the significance of these visions.
4. “It’s a shopping list. I’ll be cooking Shin loaf bread today, if I can get the ingredients. It always breaks people’s brains. Grain was not meant to be so fluffy.”
This humorous yet profound line from Nohadon reveals a stark contrast to the grandeur often associated with kingship, emphasizing humility and the everyday joys that ground even the most powerful figures, and serving as a reminder of the human side of leadership.
5. “Dalinar walked back to the writing chamber and with a thump beside the king. Nohadon clapped. ‘I thought you wouldn’t do it.’ ‘I have practice following fools in their reckless pursuits.’”
This exchange illustrates Nohadon’s wisdom and confidence, symbolizing the chapter’s underlying theme that even leaders must sometimes embrace risk and uncertainty, and that wisdom often lies in understanding and patience.
Quotes
1. “Many cultures speak of the so-called Death Rattles that sometimes overtake people as they die. Tradition ascribes them to the Almighty, but I find too many to be seemingly prophetic. This will be my most contentious assertion I am sure, but I think these are the effects of Moelach persisting in our current times. Proof is easy to provide: the effect is regionalized, and tends to move across Roshar. This is the roving of the Unmade.”
This quote highlights the chapter’s exploration of supernatural phenomena, suggesting that what is often dismissed as divine or coincidental may have a tangible, malevolent origin
— specifically the influence of the Unmade, framing a key thematic element about unseen forces.2. “Dalinar started awake in an unfamiliar place, lying on a floor of cut stone, his back stiff. He blinked sleepily, trying to orient himself. Storms… where was he?”
This opening scene introduces Dalinar’s disoriented state, setting the tone for the chapter’s focus on visions and the mysterious, often confusing nature of his experiences, emphasizing themes of perception and reality.
3. “I know this room, I saw it in one of my visions. A highstorm must have come while he was passed out.”
This moment underscores the blending of Dalinar’s waking life with his visions, illustrating how his prophetic experiences are intertwined with real-world events, and hinting at the significance of these visions.
4. “It’s a shopping list. I’ll be cooking Shin loaf bread today, if I can get the ingredients. It always breaks people’s brains. Grain was not meant to be so fluffy.”
This humorous yet profound line from Nohadon reveals a stark contrast to the grandeur often associated with kingship, emphasizing humility and the everyday joys that ground even the most powerful figures, and serving as a reminder of the human side of leadership.
5. “Dalinar walked back to the writing chamber and with a thump beside the king. Nohadon clapped. ‘I thought you wouldn’t do it.’ ‘I have practice following fools in their reckless pursuits.’”
This exchange illustrates Nohadon’s wisdom and confidence, symbolizing the chapter’s underlying theme that even leaders must sometimes embrace risk and uncertainty, and that wisdom often lies in understanding and patience.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What is Dalinar’s initial emotional state upon waking in the chapter, and how does his environment reflect or influence this state?
Answer:
Dalinar begins the chapter feeling disoriented and stiff, indicating physical and possibly mental fatigue. His environment—a room of cut stone, with sunlight streaming through an open balcony—serves as a stark contrast to his internal turmoil. The bright, unfamiliar setting and the dust motes in the sunlight create a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere that mirrors his confusion and the haziness of his recent memories, such as his days of frustration, sorrow, and alcohol use. The environment’s tranquility and the sunlight’s intensity highlight his vulnerability and the sense that he is in a liminal space between his past struggles and the potential for new insights or revelations.
2. Question 2
How does Dalinar’s perception of the visions he experiences relate to his understanding of the Stormfather’s role, and what significance does the setting of his visions hold?
Answer:
Dalinar perceives his visions as both a source of guidance and danger, as evidenced by his concern that they are too risky—highlighted when he questions the Stormfather about sending him visions. The visions are significant because they serve as a connection to the past, specifically to Nohadon and the history of the world, which Dalinar seeks to understand better. The setting of his visions—initially a familiar room, then a bustling city—symbolizes a bridge between his internal struggles and the external history of his civilization. The vividness and clarity of these visions suggest they are more than mere dreams; they are a divine or mystical link that offers insights into leadership, morality, and the past, which Dalinar must interpret carefully.
3. Question 3
Analyze the significance of Nohadon’s character in the chapter. What does his portrayal reveal about his role in Dalinar’s understanding of leadership and history?
Answer:
Nohadon appears as a wise, approachable figure—an older man with a playful, relatable personality, evidenced by his joke about cooking Shin loaf bread and his carefree leap off the balcony. His portrayal as a king who enjoys simple pleasures and engages in everyday activities like shopping underscores his humility and wisdom. Nohadon’s presence in the visions emphasizes his importance as a moral and historical authority, especially given his association with “The Way of Kings,” a foundational text. His actions and demeanor suggest that true leadership involves humility, connection to the common people, and a focus on moral virtues. This portrayal encourages Dalinar to reconsider what it means to be a leader and how historical figures like Nohadon embody the qualities necessary for guiding others.
4. Question 4
In what ways do the visions of the past challenge or reinforce Dalinar’s current understanding of his identity and responsibilities?
Answer:
The visions challenge Dalinar by presenting a version of Nohadon—older, lively, and engaged in everyday life—that contrasts with his own struggles with grief, guilt, and perceived failures as a leader. Seeing Nohadon in such a relatable, humanized form may inspire Dalinar to reconsider his self-image and his approach to leadership. The visions reinforce the idea that true authority is rooted in humility, service, and moral integrity, rather than solely in martial prowess or titles. These insights prompt Dalinar to reflect on his responsibilities, encouraging him to adopt a more compassionate and principled approach, aligning his actions with the virtues exemplified by Nohadon.
5. Question 5
How does the chapter use the setting of the market and the cityscape to symbolize the themes of connection and cultural history?
Answer:
The vibrant market and bustling cityscape serve as a vivid backdrop that symbolizes life, community, and cultural continuity. The colorful clothing, lively sounds, and the old-fashioned style of dress evoke a sense of historical richness and the enduring nature of human society. Dalinar’s observation of the attire and the energetic scene underscores the theme that history and culture are living, dynamic forces that influence the present. The setting also emphasizes the importance of understanding the past—represented by the visions of Nohadon’s time—to inform current leadership and moral choices. This lively environment reinforces the idea that history is not static but woven into everyday life, offering lessons and inspiration.
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