Oathbringer
116. Alone
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a reflection on a tragic moral dilemma, quoting the Eila Stele about a people forsaken by their gods and the pity that led to their rescue. This sets a tone of compassion intertwined with guilt and the heavy consequences of mercy. It emphasizes the complex nature of divine justice and the burden of compassion for those considered forlorn or betrayed, hinting at the overarching themes of sacrifice and moral ambiguity that pervade the story. This historical perspective provides a somber backdrop for the personal struggles faced by the characters, especially in their ongoing conflicts and decisions.
Kaladin’s internal journey is vividly depicted as he steps away from his past despair into a renewed sense of purpose. His thoughts reveal how far he has come in the last months—transforming from a man who welcomed death to one who actively defies it. With Syl’s companionship and the camaraderie of Bridge Four, Kaladin has found meaning and strength. His resolve to protect Dalinar signifies his growth and commitment to something greater than himself, highlighting his evolution from a survivor to a protector amid the chaos of war and impending danger.
The scene shifts to Dalinar, who faces the chaos of battle within Thaylen City. The earth trembles with the arrival of a second thunderclast, and civilians scramble for safety as the city is under siege. Dalinar’s leadership is evident as he directs civilians to shelter, despite the absence of his Shardplate and Shards. His internal conflict surfaces as he feels the thrill of battle—an intoxicating mix of passion and danger—yet he struggles to resist the temptation to embrace the thrill of glory, fearing it might lead him down a dark path reminiscent of his past. This internal battle underscores the theme of restraint versus the allure of power.
As the chaos intensifies, Dalinar encounters a colossal stone monster—one of the thunderclasts—ripping through the city walls and attacking the Gemstone Reserve, which contains invaluable wealth. The scene is filled with destructive fury, with debris and gemstones scattering across the city, symbolizing the loss of riches and stability. Dalinar’s quick thinking and Stormlight healing enable him to survive injuries and continue his efforts to understand the enemy’s motives. The chapter concludes with the realization that the thunderclast’s attack is more than just destruction; it involves a targeted assault on the city’s resources, hinting at deeper, strategic intentions behind the chaos.
FAQs
-
1. What is the significance of Kaladin’s transformation over the course of the chapter, and how do his feelings about life and death evolve?
Answer:
Kaladin’s character development is evident as he transitions from a man who once welcomed death to someone who now actively defies it. Initially, he carried the burden of despair, but through his experiences—carrying bridges, fighting in battles, and forming bonds with Syl and the men of Bridge Four—he finds purpose and a renewed will to live. The chapter highlights his appreciation for life’s sweetness despite its pain, emphasizing his internal growth. His decision to protect Dalinar signifies his acceptance of responsibility and his sense of purpose, illustrating how his outlook has shifted from hopelessness to resilience and commitment to others.2. How does the chapter depict Dalinar’s internal struggle with the allure of the Thrill and his sense of duty?
Answer:
Dalinar’s internal conflict is portrayed through his intense feelings of excitement and longing for the Battle’s glory, which threaten to overpower his sense of restraint and duty. The “Thrill,” representing a dangerous rush of passion and power, calls to him as a tempting force that could reignite his Blackthorn persona. Despite this, he recognizes the peril of succumbing to it, especially amid the chaos of the storming city and the threat of the thunderclast. His struggle reflects a broader theme of balancing personal desire for glory with responsibility, ultimately choosing to suppress the thrill to focus on protecting the city and its people, demonstrating his commitment to leadership and self-control.3. What role do the stormlight and gemstones play in the chapter, and what do they reveal about the world of Roshar?
Answer:
Stormlight and gemstones are central to the chapter as sources of power and wealth. Kaladin’s use of Stormlight allows him to access extraordinary strength and agility, such as when he bursts into the sky to confront the Fused. The scattered gemstones and spheres symbolize the immense resources of Thaylenah, which have been destroyed and dispersed by the chaos, reflecting the fragility and volatility of the world’s wealth. These elements reveal that Roshar’s magic and economy are deeply intertwined with gemstones and Stormlight, emphasizing a society where power, survival, and prosperity depend heavily on these resources, and their loss signifies chaos and vulnerability.4. How does the chapter illustrate the interconnectedness of individual heroism and larger societal conflicts?
Answer:
The chapter juxtaposes Kaladin’s individual acts of heroism—facing the Fused alone to protect Dalinar—and the broader chaos engulfing Thaylen City. Kaladin’s personal growth and bravery exemplify how individual courage can influence the outcome of larger conflicts. Meanwhile, Dalinar’s internal struggle and the city’s desperate defense against the thunderclast highlight the collective effort needed to withstand existential threats. This interconnectedness underscores the theme that personal resolve and heroism are vital in shaping societal resilience and survival amid widespread turmoil, emphasizing that individual actions can inspire hope and impact the course of larger conflicts.5. What does the chapter suggest about the nature of power, both magical and political, in the world of Roshar?
Answer:
The chapter portrays power as multifaceted—magical, political, and symbolic. Kaladin’s Stormlight abilities demonstrate the raw, personal power individuals can wield, especially when fighting against seemingly insurmountable odds. Dalinar’s internal struggle with the allure of the Thrill and his leadership decisions reflect the importance of self-control and responsibility in wielding political and martial authority. The destruction of the Gemstone Reserve signifies how wealth and resources are crucial sources of power, yet also vulnerable to chaos. Overall, the chapter suggests that true power in Roshar requires mastery over oneself, strategic leadership, and the ability to harness and protect vital resources amidst ongoing conflict.
Quotes
1. “We took them in, as commanded by the gods. What else could we do? They were a people forlorn, without a home. Our pity destroyed us. For their betrayal extended even to our gods: to spren, stone, and wind.”
This quote from the Eila Stele highlights the tragic consequences of compassion gone awry, setting a tone of moral complexity and loss that frames the chapter’s exploration of mercy and betrayal.
2. “He seemed a man distant from the one who carried bridges against Parshendi arrows. That man had welcomed death, but now—even on the bad days, when everything was cast in greys—he defied death. It could not have him, for while life was painful, life was also sweet.”
This passage underscores Kaladin’s profound personal transformation, emphasizing themes of resilience, purpose, and the newfound appreciation of life despite its suffering.
3. “Stormlight flooded into him—he shook awake to find his arm pinned by the boulder, rocks and dust falling on a rubble-strewn street before him. And… not just rubble. He coughed, realizing some of those lumps were bodies coated in dust, lying motionless.”
This moment captures the brutal reality of battle and Dalinar’s resilience, illustrating how Stormlight healing and determination are vital in the face of destruction and death.
4. “No,” he whispered, sagging against a wall. The emotion struck him harder than the earthquake had. ‘No.‘”
Dalinar’s internal struggle with the temptation of the Thrill reveals the ongoing battle between his desire for glory and his sense of duty, highlighting the chapter’s exploration of leadership and inner conflict.
5. “Spheres and gemstones, all the wealth of Thaylenah. Scattered like leaves.”
This vivid description emphasizes the destructive chaos wrought by the thunderclast, symbolizing the loss of material and cultural wealth and the unpredictable fury of the conflict.