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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

    17. Trapped in Shadows

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    In this chap­ter from “17. Trapped in Shad­ows,” the nar­ra­tive cen­ters around Kaladin, who finds him­self tied to a tree after being cap­tured by a group of parsh­men. Despite his bind­ings, he remains calm, observ­ing his cap­tors’ dis­cus­sions and assess­ing their inten­tions. The parsh­men are debat­ing whether to kill him, fear­ing he might reveal their loca­tion, but they lack a clear leader. Kaladin is aware of his sur­round­ings, not­ing the weath­er changes and the pres­ence of Syl, the spren, which sig­ni­fies the return of Storm­light. His reflec­tions reveal a mix­ture of hope and res­ig­na­tion as he endures cap­tiv­i­ty under uncer­tain cir­cum­stances.

    The dia­logue among the parsh­men reveals their inter­nal con­flicts and moti­va­tions. Khen, one of the cap­tors, strong­ly advo­cates for killing Kaladin, fear­ing the threat he pos­es if freed. Oth­ers ques­tion the neces­si­ty of vio­lence, empha­siz­ing that Kaladin’s abil­i­ty to find them indi­cates they are not par­tic­u­lar­ly safe. The con­ver­sa­tion hints at a frag­ile, dis­or­ga­nized group with­out a strict hier­ar­chy, unit­ed main­ly by their desire to avoid recap­ture. As they pre­pare to move, Kaladin observes the min­i­mal pos­ses­sions they car­ry and notices the pres­ence of chil­dren, which sur­pris­es him giv­en the usu­al dehu­man­iza­tion of parsh­men in sto­ries.

    Kaladin’s cap­tiv­i­ty takes on a more per­son­al tone as he rec­og­nizes the chil­dren among the parsh­men, not­ing their dis­tinct appear­ance and the light orange-pink cara­paces. Their inno­cence and laugh­ter con­trast sharply with the harsh real­i­ty of their sit­u­a­tion, prompt­ing Kaladin to reflect on the bru­tal truth of parsh­men breed­ing and their treat­ment as ani­mals. The scene deep­ens his under­stand­ing of their cir­cum­stances, chal­leng­ing his pre­con­cep­tions and stir­ring com­plex feel­ings about their human­i­ty. This moment also trig­gers mem­o­ries of his past escape attempts, reveal­ing his long his­to­ry of resis­tance and the emo­tion­al toll of his fail­ures.

    As the group pre­pares to leave, Kaladin is led through famil­iar ter­rain, evok­ing mem­o­ries of pre­vi­ous escapes and moments of des­per­a­tion. His cap­tors dis­cuss strate­gic mat­ters, includ­ing the sig­nif­i­cance of cer­tain pow­er­ful cards like the king, illus­trat­ing their under­stand­ing of game-like tac­tics that mir­ror their own sur­vival strug­gles. Kaladin’s sub­tle obser­va­tions and com­ments about the game serve as metaphors for his situation—fragile, strate­gic, and fraught with dan­ger. The chap­ter ends with a tense scene where Kaladin’s words about the parshmen’s true nature as run­away slaves are met with hos­til­i­ty, under­scor­ing the ongo­ing con­flict between per­cep­tion and real­i­ty in this world.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What does Kaladin’s situation reveal about his mental and emotional state during this chapter?

      Answer:
      Kaladin’s situation—being tied to a tree, overhearing the parshmen’s debate about killing him, and reflecting on past failures—illustrates a state of vulnerability, frustration, and introspection. Despite his physical discomfort and the threat of death, he maintains a degree of calm and resilience, evidenced by his knowledge of the card game and his strategic thinking. His internal monologue reveals lingering guilt over past failures and a desire to find meaning or hope, such as when he observes the children and reflects on his own history of escape attempts. Overall, this chapter portrays Kaladin as a character caught between despair and a flicker of hope, demonstrating his mental toughness even in dire circumstances.

      2. How do the parshmen’s attitudes and behaviors in this chapter challenge common stereotypes about them?

      Answer:
      The parshmen in this chapter are depicted as complex, with individual personalities and emotional responses, challenging the stereotype of them as mindless or solely serving as enemies. For instance, Khen’s anger and her willingness to kill Kaladin if necessary show a capacity for strong emotion and moral judgment. The parshmen’s discussion about whether to kill him and their concern about being caught again reflect a survival instinct and a sense of community, not just mindless obedience. Additionally, the presence of children and their interactions humanize them, revealing that they breed, have families, and experience joy and fear. This nuanced portrayal encourages readers to see parshmen as individuals shaped by circumstances, not merely monsters or tools of conflict.

      3. In what ways does Kaladin’s knowledge of the card game serve as both a strategic tool and a symbol of his mental acuity?

      Answer:
      Kaladin’s understanding of the card game demonstrates his strategic thinking and adaptability, crucial traits for survival. By recognizing the rules and potential moves—such as how the king card can be captured or protected—he subtly communicates his intelligence and resourcefulness to his captors. This knowledge also serves as a metaphor for his broader ability to analyze situations and anticipate outcomes, even in captivity. Symbolically, it reflects his ongoing struggle to maintain his agency and wit amid chaos, emphasizing that his mind remains sharp despite physical captivity. His reference to the game also highlights his resilience and capacity to find small ways to assert control in a powerless situation.

      4. What is the significance of Kaladin’s reflection on the parshmen breeding, and how does it deepen the reader’s understanding of their nature?

      Answer:
      Kaladin’s reflection on the parshmen breeding—comparing it to animals and considering the implications—serves to humanize them and challenge the reader’s preconceived notions. It underscores how society often dehumanizes the parshmen, viewing them as mere tools or products rather than individuals with familial bonds and emotions. This moment reveals Kaladin’s internal conflict and growing awareness of the injustice they face, hinting at the systemic cruelty inflicted upon them. It deepens the reader’s understanding that parshmen are not inherently monsters, but beings subjected to exploitation and breeding for survival, which complicates the moral landscape of the story and invites empathy.

      5. How might Kaladin’s internal monologue about his past escape attempt influence his mindset and decisions moving forward?

      Answer:
      Kaladin’s recollection of his previous successful escape attempt serves as a reminder of his resilience and resourcefulness. It reinforces his hope that, despite current circumstances, he can find ways to survive and possibly escape again. This internal monologue fosters a mindset of perseverance and strategic thinking, encouraging him to stay mentally alert and look for opportunities. Recognizing that he has escaped before reminds him of his inner strength and the importance of maintaining hope, which could influence him to seek out weaknesses or opportunities in his captors’ routines. Ultimately, it sustains his resolve and frames his captivity as temporary, motivating him to plan for eventual liberation.

    Quotes

    • 1. “It is not a lesson I claim to be able to teach. Experience herself is the great teacher, and you must seek her directly.”

      This quote emphasizes the importance of personal experience over formal instruction, highlighting a central theme of learning through lived reality rather than doctrine. It sets a reflective tone for the chapter’s exploration of hardship and growth.

      2. “Kaladin sat tied and bound to a tree. He’d spent the night there. They’d let him up several times to use the latrine today, but otherwise kept him bound. Though their knots were good, they always posted guards, even though he’d turned himself in to them in the first place.”

      This passage underscores Kaladin’s captivity and the ongoing tension, illustrating his physical restraint and the persistent threat posed by his captors. It reflects his resilience and the precariousness of his situation.

      3. “Kaladin couldn’t define why this sight seemed so strange to him. Parshmen did breed, though people often spoke of them being bred, like animals. And, well, that wasn’t far from the truth, was it?”

      This quote confronts uncomfortable truths about the Parshmen’s existence, revealing a harsh reality that Kaladin begins to recognize—one that challenges his previous assumptions and moral outlook.

      4. “You’re not monsters,” Kaladin whispered. “You’re not soldiers. You’re not even the seeds of the void. You’re just… runaway slaves.”

      This poignant statement humanizes the Parshmen, framing their situation as one of captivity rather than inherent evil. It encapsulates Kaladin’s attempt to see beyond labels and recognize shared suffering.

      5. “Do you want me to kill you?”

      This intense question from the parshman captures the desperation and brutality of their circumstances, illustrating the tension and the threat of violence that pervades the chapter’s atmosphere. It also symbolizes the moral ambiguity faced by the characters.

    Quotes

    1. “It is not a lesson I claim to be able to teach. Experience herself is the great teacher, and you must seek her directly.”

    This quote emphasizes the importance of personal experience over formal instruction, highlighting a central theme of learning through lived reality rather than doctrine. It sets a reflective tone for the chapter’s exploration of hardship and growth.

    2. “Kaladin sat tied and bound to a tree. He’d spent the night there. They’d let him up several times to use the latrine today, but otherwise kept him bound. Though their knots were good, they always posted guards, even though he’d turned himself in to them in the first place.”

    This passage underscores Kaladin’s captivity and the ongoing tension, illustrating his physical restraint and the persistent threat posed by his captors. It reflects his resilience and the precariousness of his situation.

    3. “Kaladin couldn’t define why this sight seemed so strange to him. Parshmen did breed, though people often spoke of them being bred, like animals. And, well, that wasn’t far from the truth, was it?”

    This quote confronts uncomfortable truths about the Parshmen’s existence, revealing a harsh reality that Kaladin begins to recognize—one that challenges his previous assumptions and moral outlook.

    4. “You’re not monsters,” Kaladin whispered. “You’re not soldiers. You’re not even the seeds of the void. You’re just… runaway slaves.”

    This poignant statement humanizes the Parshmen, framing their situation as one of captivity rather than inherent evil. It encapsulates Kaladin’s attempt to see beyond labels and recognize shared suffering.

    5. “Do you want me to kill you?”

    This intense question from the parshman captures the desperation and brutality of their circumstances, illustrating the tension and the threat of violence that pervades the chapter’s atmosphere. It also symbolizes the moral ambiguity faced by the characters.

    FAQs

    1. What does Kaladin’s situation reveal about his mental and emotional state during this chapter?

    Answer:
    Kaladin’s situation—being tied to a tree, overhearing the parshmen’s debate about killing him, and reflecting on past failures—illustrates a state of vulnerability, frustration, and introspection. Despite his physical discomfort and the threat of death, he maintains a degree of calm and resilience, evidenced by his knowledge of the card game and his strategic thinking. His internal monologue reveals lingering guilt over past failures and a desire to find meaning or hope, such as when he observes the children and reflects on his own history of escape attempts. Overall, this chapter portrays Kaladin as a character caught between despair and a flicker of hope, demonstrating his mental toughness even in dire circumstances.

    2. How do the parshmen’s attitudes and behaviors in this chapter challenge common stereotypes about them?

    Answer:
    The parshmen in this chapter are depicted as complex, with individual personalities and emotional responses, challenging the stereotype of them as mindless or solely serving as enemies. For instance, Khen’s anger and her willingness to kill Kaladin if necessary show a capacity for strong emotion and moral judgment. The parshmen’s discussion about whether to kill him and their concern about being caught again reflect a survival instinct and a sense of community, not just mindless obedience. Additionally, the presence of children and their interactions humanize them, revealing that they breed, have families, and experience joy and fear. This nuanced portrayal encourages readers to see parshmen as individuals shaped by circumstances, not merely monsters or tools of conflict.

    3. In what ways does Kaladin’s knowledge of the card game serve as both a strategic tool and a symbol of his mental acuity?

    Answer:
    Kaladin’s understanding of the card game demonstrates his strategic thinking and adaptability, crucial traits for survival. By recognizing the rules and potential moves—such as how the king card can be captured or protected—he subtly communicates his intelligence and resourcefulness to his captors. This knowledge also serves as a metaphor for his broader ability to analyze situations and anticipate outcomes, even in captivity. Symbolically, it reflects his ongoing struggle to maintain his agency and wit amid chaos, emphasizing that his mind remains sharp despite physical captivity. His reference to the game also highlights his resilience and capacity to find small ways to assert control in a powerless situation.

    4. What is the significance of Kaladin’s reflection on the parshmen breeding, and how does it deepen the reader’s understanding of their nature?

    Answer:
    Kaladin’s reflection on the parshmen breeding—comparing it to animals and considering the implications—serves to humanize them and challenge the reader’s preconceived notions. It underscores how society often dehumanizes the parshmen, viewing them as mere tools or products rather than individuals with familial bonds and emotions. This moment reveals Kaladin’s internal conflict and growing awareness of the injustice they face, hinting at the systemic cruelty inflicted upon them. It deepens the reader’s understanding that parshmen are not inherently monsters, but beings subjected to exploitation and breeding for survival, which complicates the moral landscape of the story and invites empathy.

    5. How might Kaladin’s internal monologue about his past escape attempt influence his mindset and decisions moving forward?

    Answer:
    Kaladin’s recollection of his previous successful escape attempt serves as a reminder of his resilience and resourcefulness. It reinforces his hope that, despite current circumstances, he can find ways to survive and possibly escape again. This internal monologue fosters a mindset of perseverance and strategic thinking, encouraging him to stay mentally alert and look for opportunities. Recognizing that he has escaped before reminds him of his inner strength and the importance of maintaining hope, which could influence him to seek out weaknesses or opportunities in his captors’ routines. Ultimately, it sustains his resolve and frames his captivity as temporary, motivating him to plan for eventual liberation.

    Note