Oathbringer
59. Bondsmith
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a poignant letter from a woman reflecting on her family, emphasizing her love for her husband, Kmakra, and their children, Molinar and Kmakra, whom she considers the true gems of her life. This personal note sets a tone of remembrance and longing, hinting at themes of memory, loss, and the importance of personal bonds amid a backdrop of cultural and spiritual significance. The letter’s tone is intimate, contrasting with the chapter’s broader exploration of the city and its religious sites, suggesting underlying personal stakes in the larger narrative.
As Dalinar and his companions visit the temple of Shalash, Fen provides historical context about the structure, describing its architecture, purpose, and the significance of its carvings. The temple, filled with burning glyphs and damaged statues, symbolizes a once-vibrant spiritual center now scarred by time and the storm’s destruction. Dalinar’s contemplative mood is tinged with discomfort, questioning whether prayers are still reaching their intended deities or if they are lost to a god who no longer exists. The scene underscores the enduring but fragile nature of faith and tradition amidst chaos.
The group’s tour continues through the Royal Ward, where Dalinar observes the city’s battered state, noting the destruction wrought by the Everstorm. Navani comments on the traditional practice of temple visits, meant to reinforce the throne’s piety and authority, but Dalinar perceives underlying political motives and the superficiality of such rituals. Their exchange reveals Dalinar’s internal conflict—his duty to uphold tradition versus his growing doubts about the religious and political institutions. The scene highlights the tension between heritage and the realities of a city ravaged by natural disasters and war.
Finally, the chapter shifts to a poignant scene inside a temple turned makeshift hospital, where wounded civilians lie suffering. Fen explains the improvisation necessitated by the storm’s devastation, and Dalinar’s concern deepens as he witnesses the extent of the suffering. The appearance of Taravangian, pleading for aid and offering to activate the Oathgate, introduces a subplot of political and humanitarian urgency. Dalinar’s resolve to seek help underscores his leadership role and the overarching theme of unity and compassion amid adversity, setting the stage for further alliances and interventions.
FAQs
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1. Question 1
What is the significance of the temple of Shalash in the chapter, and what does Dalinar’s perspective on the prayers burned there reveal about his attitude towards religion and divine communication?
Answer:
The temple of Shalash serves as a central religious site where ardents burn glyphwards and supplicate the Almighty for mercy and aid. Its high-domed ceiling and the smoke pooling beneath it symbolize the spiritual fervor and tradition of worship. Dalinar’s reflection on the prayers—questioning whether they are reaching a god who is no longer present or being received by someone else—reveals his skepticism or uncertainty about the efficacy of traditional religious practices. His discomfort indicates a complex attitude: he respects the rituals but is also questioning their spiritual validity in the current state of the world, hinting at a deeper internal conflict about faith and divine intervention.2. Question 2
How does the scene inside the temple of Battah, with the wounded and the presence of pain and suffering, deepen Dalinar’s understanding of the ongoing consequences of the Everstorm?
Answer:
The scene inside the temple of Battah, filled with wounded and suffering individuals, vividly illustrates the devastating impact of the Everstorm on the city and its people. Dalinar’s observation of the extensive injuries, infections, and families mourning highlights the scale of destruction and suffering caused by the storm. It also emphasizes how the storm’s unpredictable nature—sometimes violent winds, lightning, or embers—has left the city in ruins, especially due to its wooden structures. This stark reality deepens Dalinar’s awareness of the human toll and the urgency of aid, reinforcing the notion that the storm’s aftermath is more destructive than mere physical damage, affecting the very fabric of society and its resilience.3. Question 3
Analyze the strategic and political implications of Dalinar’s decision to activate the Oathgate and seek aid from Taravangian’s surgeons. How does this reflect his leadership style and priorities?
Answer:
Dalinar’s decision to activate the Oathgate and request aid from Taravangian’s surgeons demonstrates his pragmatic and decisive leadership style. Recognizing the immediate need to alleviate suffering, he prioritizes practical action over political hesitation. This move shows his willingness to forge alliances and accept outside help, even if it means navigating complex political dynamics, such as Fen’s cautious stance. It reflects his focus on the well-being of the people and the importance of swift, effective solutions in crisis. Dalinar’s willingness to leverage existing technology and diplomacy highlights his strategic mindset—balancing moral responsibility with political acumen to address the dire situation.4. Question 4
Critically evaluate the role of tradition and modern necessity as depicted in the chapter, especially in the context of the temple tour and the aid efforts.
Answer:
The chapter juxtaposes tradition with modern necessity, illustrating how historical and cultural rituals still influence contemporary decisions. The temple tour, with its emphasis on religious piety and reinforcement of the throne’s authority, underscores the importance of tradition in maintaining social order and political legitimacy in Thaylen City. Conversely, the urgent aid efforts—such as Fen’s concession to activate the Oathgate—highlight the need to adapt and act decisively in the face of crisis. This tension suggests that while tradition provides stability and identity, it must sometimes be tempered by pragmatic actions to survive and heal. The chapter portrays leadership as requiring a balance between respecting cultural customs and responding to urgent needs with flexibility.5. Question 5
How does Navani’s comment about Fen’s tour and the city’s destruction reflect on the broader themes of memory, loss, and resilience in the story?
Answer:
Navani’s remark that Fen’s temple tour is a way to revisit days before the city suffered such horrors emphasizes the importance of memory and the human desire for connection to the past. It underscores the theme that resilience involves not only physical rebuilding but also maintaining cultural and spiritual continuity amid devastation. The tour acts as a reminder of what was lost and a hope for renewal, demonstrating that preserving history and tradition can serve as sources of strength. This reflection highlights the narrative’s broader exploration of how societies cope with trauma, using memory as a foundation to rebuild resilience and forge a future despite overwhelming loss.
Quotes
1. “If this is to be permanent, then I wish to leave record of my husband and children. Wzmal, as good a man as any woman could dream of loving. Kmakra and Molinar, the true gemstones of my life.”
This poignant quote highlights the personal sacrifices and emotional depth behind the official histories, emphasizing the importance of individual stories amidst the grandeur of temple visits and political duties. It sets a tone of personal reflection within a setting often dominated by history and piety.
2. “The temple of Shalash,” Fen said, gesturing as they entered… Smoke pooled in the dome before leaking out through holes in the roof, like water through a sieve.”
This description underscores the decay and the passage of time affecting even the most sacred structures, symbolizing the wear of history and possibly the fading relevance of old gods or traditions, which ties into the chapter’s exploration of faith and change.
3. “This city was hit harder than any I’ve had a report about, This level of destruction is unique. Is it just all that wood, and the lack of anything to blunt the storm? Or is it more?”
Dalinar’s reflection reveals the layered impact of the storm—both physical and metaphorical—prompting contemplation on the nature of destruction, whether natural or inflicted, and its deeper implications for the city and its people.
4. “Please,” he said. “Please. My surgeons are in Vedenar, an easy trip through the Oathgates. Let me bring them. Let me ease this suffering.”
Taravangian’s plea exemplifies his compassionate side and the urgent desire for aid, illustrating the chapter’s themes of leadership, mercy, and the human cost of chaos, as well as the political complexities involved in mobilizing help.
5. “Storms… Dalinar felt almost ashamed at how well his people had weathered the Everstorm. When he eventually turned to go, he almost ran into Taravangian, who haunted the doorway like a spirit.”
This closing reflection underscores the resilience of Dalinar’s people contrasted with the ongoing suffering, highlighting the chapter’s exploration of endurance in the face of catastrophe and the silent, persistent presence of leadership and concern.
Quotes
1. “If this is to be permanent, then I wish to leave record of my husband and children. Wzmal, as good a man as any woman could dream of loving. Kmakra and Molinar, the true gemstones of my life.”
This poignant quote highlights the personal sacrifices and emotional depth behind the official histories, emphasizing the importance of individual stories amidst the grandeur of temple visits and political duties. It sets a tone of personal reflection within a setting often dominated by history and piety.
2. “The temple of Shalash,” Fen said, gesturing as they entered… Smoke pooled in the dome before leaking out through holes in the roof, like water through a sieve.”
This description underscores the decay and the passage of time affecting even the most sacred structures, symbolizing the wear of history and possibly the fading relevance of old gods or traditions, which ties into the chapter’s exploration of faith and change.
3. “This city was hit harder than any I’ve had a report about, This level of destruction is unique. Is it just all that wood, and the lack of anything to blunt the storm? Or is it more?”
Dalinar’s reflection reveals the layered impact of the storm
— both physical and metaphorical—prompting contemplation on the nature of destruction, whether natural or inflicted, and its deeper implications for the city and its people.4. “Please,” he said. “Please. My surgeons are in Vedenar, an easy trip through the Oathgates. Let me bring them. Let me ease this suffering.”
Taravangian’s plea exemplifies his compassionate side and the urgent desire for aid, illustrating the chapter’s themes of leadership, mercy, and the human cost of chaos, as well as the political complexities involved in mobilizing help.
5. “Storms… Dalinar felt almost ashamed at how well his people had weathered the Everstorm. When he eventually turned to go, he almost ran into Taravangian, who haunted the doorway like a spirit.”
This closing reflection underscores the resilience of Dalinar’s people contrasted with the ongoing suffering, highlighting the chapter’s exploration of endurance in the face of catastrophe and the silent, persistent presence of leadership and concern.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What is the significance of the temple of Shalash in the chapter, and what does Dalinar’s perspective on the prayers burned there reveal about his attitude towards religion and divine communication?
Answer:
The temple of Shalash serves as a central religious site where ardents burn glyphwards and supplicate the Almighty for mercy and aid. Its high-domed ceiling and the smoke pooling beneath it symbolize the spiritual fervor and tradition of worship. Dalinar’s reflection on the prayers—questioning whether they are reaching a god who is no longer present or being received by someone else—reveals his skepticism or uncertainty about the efficacy of traditional religious practices. His discomfort indicates a complex attitude: he respects the rituals but is also questioning their spiritual validity in the current state of the world, hinting at a deeper internal conflict about faith and divine intervention.
2. Question 2
How does the scene inside the temple of Battah, with the wounded and the presence of pain and suffering, deepen Dalinar’s understanding of the ongoing consequences of the Everstorm?
Answer:
The scene inside the temple of Battah, filled with wounded and suffering individuals, vividly illustrates the devastating impact of the Everstorm on the city and its people. Dalinar’s observation of the extensive injuries, infections, and families mourning highlights the scale of destruction and suffering caused by the storm. It also emphasizes how the storm’s unpredictable nature—sometimes violent winds, lightning, or embers—has left the city in ruins, especially due to its wooden structures. This stark reality deepens Dalinar’s awareness of the human toll and the urgency of aid, reinforcing the notion that the storm’s aftermath is more destructive than mere physical damage, affecting the very fabric of society and its resilience.
3. Question 3
Analyze the strategic and political implications of Dalinar’s decision to activate the Oathgate and seek aid from Taravangian’s surgeons. How does this reflect his leadership style and priorities?
Answer:
Dalinar’s decision to activate the Oathgate and request aid from Taravangian’s surgeons demonstrates his pragmatic and decisive leadership style. Recognizing the immediate need to alleviate suffering, he prioritizes practical action over political hesitation. This move shows his willingness to forge alliances and accept outside help, even if it means navigating complex political dynamics, such as Fen’s cautious stance. It reflects his focus on the well-being of the people and the importance of swift, effective solutions in crisis. Dalinar’s willingness to leverage existing technology and diplomacy highlights his strategic mindset—balancing moral responsibility with political acumen to address the dire situation.
4. Question 4
Critically evaluate the role of tradition and modern necessity as depicted in the chapter, especially in the context of the temple tour and the aid efforts.
Answer:
The chapter juxtaposes tradition with modern necessity, illustrating how historical and cultural rituals still influence contemporary decisions. The temple tour, with its emphasis on religious piety and reinforcement of the throne’s authority, underscores the importance of tradition in maintaining social order and political legitimacy in Thaylen City. Conversely, the urgent aid efforts—such as Fen’s concession to activate the Oathgate—highlight the need to adapt and act decisively in the face of crisis. This tension suggests that while tradition provides stability and identity, it must sometimes be tempered by pragmatic actions to survive and heal. The chapter portrays leadership as requiring a balance between respecting cultural customs and responding to urgent needs with flexibility.
5. Question 5
How does Navani’s comment about Fen’s tour and the city’s destruction reflect on the broader themes of memory, loss, and resilience in the story?
Answer:
Navani’s remark that Fen’s temple tour is a way to revisit days before the city suffered such horrors emphasizes the importance of memory and the human desire for connection to the past. It underscores the theme that resilience involves not only physical rebuilding but also maintaining cultural and spiritual continuity amid devastation. The tour acts as a reminder of what was lost and a hope for renewal, demonstrating that preserving history and tradition can serve as sources of strength. This reflection highlights the narrative’s broader exploration of how societies cope with trauma, using memory as a foundation to rebuild resilience and forge a future despite overwhelming loss.
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