Oathbringer
71. A Sign of Humanity
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a flashback to eleven years prior, detailing a military campaign led by Dalinar against Rathalas. Facing logistical challenges, Dalinar opts for a conventional approach, coordinating attacks from multiple directions. As he prepares for battle, he reflects on the environment, the campaign’s strategic aspects, and his own internal struggles. The narrative emphasizes the tension between duty and personal feelings, illustrating Dalinar’s sense of responsibility and the weight of leadership amidst the chaos of war. His thoughts reveal a man burdened by the demands of command and the sacrifices it entails, setting the tone for the chapter’s exploration of morality and humanity in warfare.
Throughout the journey, Dalinar’s interactions with his wife, Evi, reveal a complex emotional landscape. Evi, earnest and genuinely caring, prays for Dalinar’s heart to soften, highlighting her concern for his moral compass amid the violence. Despite her composed exterior, her tears and heartfelt conversations expose her inner turmoil and love for him. Dalinar, torn between his duties as a leader and his personal feelings, struggles to reconcile the brutal realities of war with his desire for mercy and compassion. Their dialogue underscores the theme of inner conflict—balancing the harsh necessities of war with the human empathy that Evi embodies and hopes Dalinar will embrace.
As the scene shifts back to the present, Dalinar receives updates about the military situation—peaceful progress in securing a camp and the strategic positioning of forces. His internal frustration grows; he longs for the battle to begin and feels the weight of his responsibilities. Despite external calm, he is haunted by emotional unrest, especially regarding his relationship with Evi. His feelings of inadequacy and the desire for her admiration reveal a vulnerability not often associated with his role as a formidable leader. This internal tension underscores the chapter’s exploration of the human side of leadership—how personal doubts and emotional needs influence even the strongest of men.
The chapter culminates in Dalinar’s decision to communicate directly with Evi, seeking clarity and connection amidst the chaos. Their conversation is intimate, revealing mutual concern and a shared desire for mercy. Evi pleads for Dalinar to hold back violence and show mercy, emphasizing the importance of compassion even in war. Dalinar, moved by her words, reflects on the moral dilemmas of his duty—balancing the need for victory with the necessity of humanity. The scene ends with Dalinar preparing for the next phase of battle, his resolve tempered by personal reflection and a renewed sense of purpose rooted in compassion and morality.
FAQs
1. What internal conflict does Dalinar experience during the march to the battlefield, and how does his interaction with Evi reveal this struggle?
Answer:
Dalinar experiences a profound internal conflict between his duties as a military leader and his emotional needs, particularly regarding his relationship with Evi. Despite focusing on the strategic and physical aspects of the campaign, he is haunted by feelings of inadequacy and a desire for Evi’s admiration and love. His interactions with Evi reveal his vulnerability; he is troubled by her tears and her prayers for his mercy, which contrast with his own brutal role as a warrior preparing for battle. Dalinar’s decision to enter the carriage and openly discuss their emotional state illustrates his struggle to reconcile his leadership responsibilities with his personal longing for connection and affirmation, highlighting the human side of a hardened military figure.2. How does Evi’s perspective on mercy and violence challenge Dalinar’s worldview, and what does this reveal about her character?
Answer:
Evi’s perspective emphasizes the importance of mercy and humanity even amidst conflict, contrasting sharply with Dalinar’s more pragmatic and martial outlook. She urges him to “hold back the monster” and not to feed the violence, advocating for compassion and restraint. Her plea that he spare the rebels’ brightlord and her concern that Dalinar’s actions reflect a loss of his humanity reveal her belief that true strength includes mercy and empathy. This challenges Dalinar’s assumption that victory and strength are solely achieved through combat and dominance. Evi’s character is thus portrayed as compassionate, morally grounded, and deeply human, serving as a moral compass that questions the brutal realities of war and calls for a more humane approach.3. In what ways does Dalinar’s reflection on the battle and his feelings about the upcoming conflict demonstrate his internal development?
Answer:
Dalinar’s reflection on the battle and his emotional response—particularly his feelings of frustration, guilt, and the desire for Evi’s approval—show his ongoing internal development. He recognizes that his reputation and achievements mean little if he lacks emotional connection and moral clarity. His internal dialogue reveals a man torn between the expectations of a warrior and the desire to be humane, suggesting a deeper self-awareness. By choosing to confront these feelings and seeking to understand what Evi wants, Dalinar begins to grapple with the idea that true leadership may involve mercy and moral strength, not just martial prowess. This moment signifies a shift from relying solely on duty and strength to embracing compassion and self-awareness as integral to his identity.4. How does the chapter explore the theme of humanity through the characters’ interactions and internal thoughts?
Answer:
The chapter explores the theme of humanity primarily through the contrasting perspectives of Dalinar and Evi. Dalinar’s internal thoughts reveal a man burdened by the brutality of war and his role as a leader, grappling with the loss of his emotional self and the desire for approval. Evi’s words and actions emphasize the importance of mercy, compassion, and moral integrity—core aspects of what it means to be human. Her plea for him to “hold back the monster” underscores the idea that true humanity involves restraint and empathy, even in violence. Their dialogue highlights the complexity of human morality—how strength can coexist with mercy—and suggests that genuine humanity is demonstrated through acts of compassion amid chaos.5. How might Dalinar apply the lessons from this chapter to his leadership and personal growth?
Answer:
Dalinar can learn that effective leadership involves balancing strength with mercy. His internal conflict and his interaction with Evi highlight that moral clarity and compassion are vital components of true leadership. By choosing to “hold back the monster” and not feed the violence, he can foster loyalty and respect from his followers, demonstrating that strength is not solely about dominance but also about moral integrity. Personal growth for Dalinar involves embracing his vulnerability, listening to those who challenge him morally, and recognizing that genuine power comes from humility and compassion. Applying these lessons could help him become a more humane leader who inspires loyalty not just through fear or strength but through moral conviction and empathy.
Quotes
1. “Mercy landed us here in the first place. If they don’t want to fight, they should give in to our rule.”
This quote encapsulates Dalinar’s pragmatic and ruthless view of war and leadership, emphasizing strength and dominance over mercy. It highlights the chapter’s exploration of the harsh realities of power and the moral dilemmas faced in conflict.
2. “I see beauty in you, Dalinar Kholin. I see a great man struggling against a terrible one. And sometimes, you get this look in your eyes. A horrible, terrifying nothingness. Like you have become a creature with no heart, feasting upon souls to fill that void, dragging painspren in your wake.”
This poignant observation from Evi reveals Dalinar’s internal struggle and the toll of his leadership. It underscores the chapter’s theme of the human cost of war and the haunting nature of power and ambition.
3. “What would you have me do, Evi? Have I won again? Another battle where I’ve bloodied you?”
Dalinar’s question reflects his internal conflict and desire for understanding and mercy amidst the brutal demands of war. It emphasizes the personal toll of leadership and the importance of compassion, which is central to the chapter’s moral reflection.
4. “And is there no room for mercy? Dalinar, you asked what I want. It is foolish, and I can see there is trouble here, that you have a duty. But… I do not wish to see you kill. Do not feed it.”
Evi’s plea introduces the chapter’s core moral dilemma—whether true strength lies in mercy or in domination—and highlights her hope for Dalinar to choose compassion over violence.
5. “If the Almighty wants us to rule, we’ll win. If He doesn’t, then we’ll lose. I rather think He wants to see which of us is stronger.”
This statement reflects Dalinar’s belief in divine providence and the notion that strength and victory are ultimately determined by a higher power, framing the chapter’s exploration of faith, fate, and human agency.