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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

    112. For the Living

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter opens with a reflec­tion on mytho­log­i­cal con­cepts, specif­i­cal­ly the exis­tence of nine Unmade, mys­te­ri­ous enti­ties from leg­end. The nar­ra­tor admits to poten­tial mis­in­ter­pre­ta­tions and con­fla­tions of these beings, hint­ing at deep­er the­o­ries that will be explored lat­er. This sets a tone of inquiry and uncer­tain­ty about the nature of these myth­ic fig­ures, empha­siz­ing their elu­sive and enig­mat­ic qual­i­ties. The men­tion of Hessi’s *Myth­i­ca* sug­gests a lay­ered under­stand­ing of myth, blend­ing folk­lore with per­son­al spec­u­la­tion, which under­scores the theme of seek­ing truth amid ambi­gu­i­ty.

    The nar­ra­tive then shifts to a per­son­al mem­o­ry involv­ing Kaladin, who recalls a moment with Tarah, a woman from his past. Their inter­ac­tion is inti­mate, reveal­ing their con­nec­tion through shared rou­tine and sub­tle affec­tion. Tarah’s per­son­al­i­ty and back­ground are detailed, empha­siz­ing her resilience and indi­vid­u­al­i­ty despite her mod­est appear­ance. This scene offers insight into Kaladin’s emo­tion­al land­scape, reveal­ing his capac­i­ty for ten­der­ness and the emo­tion­al weight of past rela­tion­ships, which con­trast with the broad­er themes of duty and strug­gle that define his char­ac­ter.

    The sto­ry deep­ens as Tarah announces her trans­fer to Mourn’s Vault, a deci­sion dri­ven by famil­ial respon­si­bil­i­ties and her own career ambi­tions. Kaladin’s reac­tion reveals his inter­nal conflict—his wish for her to stay clash­es with his under­stand­ing of her need to secure a bet­ter future. Their farewell is poignant, high­light­ing themes of sac­ri­fice, change, and the dif­fi­cul­ty of let­ting go. Kaladin’s inabil­i­ty to respond to her let­ters under­scores his emo­tion­al tur­moil and regret, illus­trat­ing the com­plex inter­play between love, duty, and per­son­al growth.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with a shift to a more fan­tas­ti­cal set­ting, depict­ing Kaladin and his com­pan­ions nav­i­gat­ing a strange, dan­ger­ous for­est. Their jour­ney is marked by phys­i­cal exhaus­tion and con­cern about their progress, empha­siz­ing the urgency of their mis­sion to reach the Oath­gate. The imagery of the crim­son trees and obsid­i­an land­scape rein­forces the oth­er­world­ly envi­ron­ment, while Kaladin’s deter­mi­na­tion to suc­ceed reflects his resolve to ful­fill his respon­si­bil­i­ties. The chap­ter ends on a note of hope and per­se­ver­ance, with the appear­ance of a wind­spren sym­bol­iz­ing a guid­ing pres­ence for Kaladin’s ongo­ing quest for sur­vival and pur­pose.

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    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      What is the significance of Tarah’s decision to transfer to Mourn’s Vault, and how does this event reflect on her character and her relationship with Kaladin?

      Answer:
      Tarah’s decision to transfer to Mourn’s Vault signifies a major life change driven by her desire to support her family, particularly her aging father. This move demonstrates her ambition and sense of responsibility, as she seeks a better opportunity that could improve her and her father’s circumstances. Her choice also highlights her loyalty and affection for Kaladin, as she confesses her transfer in a personal moment and expresses a wish to see him learn to be there for the living. Her departure creates emotional tension, emphasizing themes of sacrifice, transition, and the difficulty of letting go of meaningful relationships. It underscores her strong character—ambitious yet caring—and the bittersweet reality of pursuing one’s goals at the expense of personal relationships.

      2. Question 2

      How does Kaladin’s internal conflict about his responsibilities and personal feelings manifest in this chapter, especially regarding Tarah’s departure?

      Answer:
      Kaladin’s internal conflict is evident in his reaction to Tarah’s transfer. He is visibly distressed and caught between his feelings for her and his sense of duty. His hesitation to ask her to stay and his thoughts about transferring to the highprince’s guard reveal his desire to cling to her while also feeling constrained by his responsibilities and fears—particularly the memory of his brother’s death and his own perceived inadequacies. His decision not to respond to her letters further illustrates his struggle with vulnerability, guilt, and pride. This conflict encapsulates the broader theme of balancing personal desires with duty, a recurring motif in Kaladin’s character arc. His internal turmoil shows how emotional wounds and responsibilities shape his choices and development.

      3. Question 3

      Describe the significance of the forest setting in the latter part of the chapter and how it symbolizes Kaladin’s journey or state of mind.

      Answer:
      The forest setting, with its strange, silent trees, crimson trunks, and mineral-laden branches, symbolizes Kaladin’s internal journey—his sense of being lost or in a liminal space. The unfamiliar and ominous landscape mirrors his feelings of uncertainty, danger, and the weight of his mission. The deep valleys and towering hills suggest obstacles and challenges he must navigate, both physically and emotionally. The mention of needing to conserve Stormlight and the worry about moving in the wrong direction reflect his cautious, burdened mindset. The forest’s quietness and strange emptiness evoke a sense of isolation, emphasizing Kaladin’s internal struggle—his desire to protect the living and his fears of failure. Overall, the setting acts as a metaphor for his mental state: a treacherous, uncertain path toward his goal of reaching the Oathgate.

      4. Question 4

      In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of duty versus personal desire, and how does Kaladin’s attitude towards this tension evolve?

      Answer:
      The chapter vividly explores the tension between duty and personal desire through Kaladin’s interactions with Tarah and his internal reflections. His desire to be with her conflicts with his sense of responsibility to protect others and fulfill his mission to reach the Oathgate. His reluctance to ask her to stay and his decision to prioritize his duties—such as organizing the evening practice and moving toward the Oathgate—highlight his sense of obligation. Over the chapter, Kaladin’s attitude reveals a growing recognition that duty often requires sacrifice and suppression of personal needs. His internal struggle and the emotional pain of her departure indicate that he is beginning to understand the importance of balancing duty with genuine human connection, a key aspect of his character development. This theme underscores the idea that true leadership involves difficult choices between personal happiness and responsibility.

    Quotes

    • 1. “I am certain there are nine Unmade. There are many legends and names that I could have misinterpreted, conflating two Unmade into one. In the next section, I will discuss my theories on this.”

      This quote introduces the mysterious concept of the Unmade, highlighting the complexity and uncertainty surrounding their true nature. It sets the tone for exploring myth and the limits of understanding within the chapter.

      2. “She knew how to squeeze the most out of her spheres.”

      This line underscores Tarah’s resourcefulness and skill, symbolizing her ability to make the most of limited resources. It emphasizes her practical intelligence and subtle beauty, serving as a metaphor for her character.

      3. “Maybe I could get a transfer? To the highprince’s standing house guard?”

      This moment reveals Kaladin’s longing for stability and connection—to be there for the living—contrasted with his fears and the weight of past losses. It reflects his internal conflict and desire to protect those he cares about, which is central to his character arc.

      4. “Kaladin shouldered his harpoon, leading his companions through the strange forest. They’d flown part of the way, but needed to conserve what little Stormlight they had left.”

      This passage captures the sense of urgency and peril in Kaladin’s journey, emphasizing themes of perseverance, resourcefulness, and the struggle to reach safety in a hostile environment. It marks a pivotal moment of physical and emotional challenge.

      5. “He had to get to the Oathgate. He would not fail like he had in Kholinar.”

      This line encapsulates Kaladin’s determination and the chapter’s overarching theme of resolve. It signifies a critical turning point where his focus shifts to overcoming past failures and fulfilling his duty for the living.

    Quotes

    1. “I am certain there are nine Unmade. There are many legends and names that I could have misinterpreted, conflating two Unmade into one. In the next section, I will discuss my theories on this.”

    This quote introduces the mysterious concept of the Unmade, highlighting the complexity and uncertainty surrounding their true nature. It sets the tone for exploring myth and the limits of understanding within the chapter.

    2. “She knew how to squeeze the most out of her spheres.”

    This line underscores Tarah’s resourcefulness and skill, symbolizing her ability to make the most of limited resources. It emphasizes her practical intelligence and subtle beauty, serving as a metaphor for her character.

    3. “Maybe I could get a transfer? To the highprince’s standing house guard?”

    This moment reveals Kaladin’s longing for stability and connection—to be there for the living—contrasted with his fears and the weight of past losses. It reflects his internal conflict and desire to protect those he cares about, which is central to his character arc.

    4. “Kaladin shouldered his harpoon, leading his companions through the strange forest. They’d flown part of the way, but needed to conserve what little Stormlight they had left.”

    This passage captures the sense of urgency and peril in Kaladin’s journey, emphasizing themes of perseverance, resourcefulness, and the struggle to reach safety in a hostile environment. It marks a pivotal moment of physical and emotional challenge.

    5. “He had to get to the Oathgate. He would not fail like he had in Kholinar.”

    This line encapsulates Kaladin’s determination and the chapter’s overarching theme of resolve. It signifies a critical turning point where his focus shifts to overcoming past failures and fulfilling his duty for the living.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    What is the significance of Tarah’s decision to transfer to Mourn’s Vault, and how does this event reflect on her character and her relationship with Kaladin?

    Answer:
    Tarah’s decision to transfer to Mourn’s Vault signifies a major life change driven by her desire to support her family, particularly her aging father. This move demonstrates her ambition and sense of responsibility, as she seeks a better opportunity that could improve her and her father’s circumstances. Her choice also highlights her loyalty and affection for Kaladin, as she confesses her transfer in a personal moment and expresses a wish to see him learn to be there for the living. Her departure creates emotional tension, emphasizing themes of sacrifice, transition, and the difficulty of letting go of meaningful relationships. It underscores her strong character—ambitious yet caring—and the bittersweet reality of pursuing one’s goals at the expense of personal relationships.

    2. Question 2

    How does Kaladin’s internal conflict about his responsibilities and personal feelings manifest in this chapter, especially regarding Tarah’s departure?

    Answer:
    Kaladin’s internal conflict is evident in his reaction to Tarah’s transfer. He is visibly distressed and caught between his feelings for her and his sense of duty. His hesitation to ask her to stay and his thoughts about transferring to the highprince’s guard reveal his desire to cling to her while also feeling constrained by his responsibilities and fears—particularly the memory of his brother’s death and his own perceived inadequacies. His decision not to respond to her letters further illustrates his struggle with vulnerability, guilt, and pride. This conflict encapsulates the broader theme of balancing personal desires with duty, a recurring motif in Kaladin’s character arc. His internal turmoil shows how emotional wounds and responsibilities shape his choices and development.

    3. Question 3

    Describe the significance of the forest setting in the latter part of the chapter and how it symbolizes Kaladin’s journey or state of mind.

    Answer:
    The forest setting, with its strange, silent trees, crimson trunks, and mineral-laden branches, symbolizes Kaladin’s internal journey—his sense of being lost or in a liminal space. The unfamiliar and ominous landscape mirrors his feelings of uncertainty, danger, and the weight of his mission. The deep valleys and towering hills suggest obstacles and challenges he must navigate, both physically and emotionally. The mention of needing to conserve Stormlight and the worry about moving in the wrong direction reflect his cautious, burdened mindset. The forest’s quietness and strange emptiness evoke a sense of isolation, emphasizing Kaladin’s internal struggle—his desire to protect the living and his fears of failure. Overall, the setting acts as a metaphor for his mental state: a treacherous, uncertain path toward his goal of reaching the Oathgate.

    4. Question 4

    In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of duty versus personal desire, and how does Kaladin’s attitude towards this tension evolve?

    Answer:
    The chapter vividly explores the tension between duty and personal desire through Kaladin’s interactions with Tarah and his internal reflections. His desire to be with her conflicts with his sense of responsibility to protect others and fulfill his mission to reach the Oathgate. His reluctance to ask her to stay and his decision to prioritize his duties—such as organizing the evening practice and moving toward the Oathgate—highlight his sense of obligation. Over the chapter, Kaladin’s attitude reveals a growing recognition that duty often requires sacrifice and suppression of personal needs. His internal struggle and the emotional pain of her departure indicate that he is beginning to understand the importance of balancing duty with genuine human connection, a key aspect of his character development. This theme underscores the idea that true leadership involves difficult choices between personal happiness and responsibility.

    Note