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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

    75. Only Red

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter opens with a reflec­tion on a past mil­i­tary cam­paign, high­light­ing Dali­nar’s strate­gic mind­set and his fas­ci­na­tion with the poten­tial of mount­ed archers and cav­al­ry tac­tics. The scene vivid­ly depicts his lead­er­ship and the elite train­ing of his sol­diers, empha­siz­ing their sta­mi­na and pro­fi­cien­cy in long-dis­tance com­bat. Dali­nar’s thoughts reveal his curios­i­ty about war­fare inno­va­tions, set­ting the tone for a sto­ry deeply root­ed in mil­i­tary strat­e­gy and hon­or. The nar­ra­tive inter­twines his tac­ti­cal con­sid­er­a­tions with per­son­al resolve, illus­trat­ing his ded­i­ca­tion to under­stand­ing and mas­ter­ing the art of war on a grand scale.

    As Dali­nar leads his forces over rugged ter­rain, the chap­ter explores his inter­nal strug­gle with trust and betray­al. The “Thrill,” a pow­er­ful emo­tion­al and mys­ti­cal force, ener­gizes him but also clouds his judg­ment, espe­cial­ly as he con­tem­plates the loy­al­ty of Sadeas. Dalinar’s trust in his allies is chal­lenged by sus­pi­cions of treach­ery, cre­at­ing a tense atmos­phere of uncer­tain­ty. His focus sharp­ens as he pre­pares for what might be a con­fronta­tion, dri­ven by a mix­ture of loy­al­ty, sus­pi­cion, and a desire for truth. This inter­nal con­flict under­scores the com­plex­i­ties of lead­er­ship in a treach­er­ous polit­i­cal land­scape.

    The scene shifts to an intense action sequence as Dalinar’s forces approach a seem­ing­ly aban­doned car­a­van. His instincts alert him to dan­ger, prompt­ing him to charge into a camp that appears desert­ed. How­ev­er, the sit­u­a­tion quick­ly esca­lates when he real­izes some­thing is amiss—the sol­diers wear Sadeas’s col­ors, but their behav­ior and the envi­ron­ment sug­gest decep­tion. The chap­ter builds sus­pense as Dalinar’s sus­pi­cions grow; he orders a retreat, only to be caught off guard by a sud­den land­slide trig­gered by ene­mies. This trap results in Dali­nar being buried and injured, leav­ing him vul­ner­a­ble and in a per­ilous sit­u­a­tion.

    In the final moments, Dalinar’s resilience shines through. Trapped beneath the rocks, he sens­es betray­al and rec­og­nizes the trap set by ene­mies allied with the Rift and its high­lord. Despite his injuries and the over­whelm­ing odds, his deter­mi­na­tion to sur­vive and fight back is pal­pa­ble. He uses his armor’s mys­ti­cal pow­er, the Thrill, to sum­mon the strength need­ed to escape the rock­slide tomb. The chap­ter con­cludes with Dali­nar break­ing free from his rocky prison, ready to con­front his ene­mies and uncov­er the truth behind the decep­tion. His resolve and strate­gic mind remain unbro­ken, set­ting the stage for future con­flict and rev­e­la­tion.

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    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      What motivates Dalinar to lead the charge during the attack on the Rift, and how does his internal state influence his actions?
      Answer:
      Dalinar is driven by a combination of strategic purpose and internal emotional forces. His motivation to lead the charge stems from a desire to uncover the truth about the caravan and potential betrayal, as well as to demonstrate leadership and resolve. His internal state is heavily influenced by the “fire” of the Plate and the Thrill, which boost his energy and focus but also create a sense of focus bordering on obsession. The Thrill, in particular, heightens his sense of purpose, making him feel more powerful and determined, even to the point of madness. This internal drive compels him to ignore fatigue and push forward, showcasing his unwavering commitment and the dangerous allure of the adrenaline-frazed state he enters during combat.

      2. Question 2

      How does the chapter depict the theme of betrayal, and what clues suggest that Dalinar’s initial assumptions about Sadeas and the enemy might be misleading?
      Answer:
      The chapter explores betrayal as a central theme through Dalinar’s suspicions and the unfolding events. Initially, Dalinar trusts Sadeas, believing him to be loyal and supportive of Gavilar, but his encounter with the enemy forces wearing Sadeas’s colors raises doubts. Clues indicating potential deception include the fact that the enemy was disguised, potentially to lure Dalinar into a trap, and their apparent use of Sadeas’s colors, which could be a tactic to mislead him. The landslide attack, designed by the Rift’s highlord, further suggests a complex plot involving treachery and manipulation. Dalinar’s realization that he might have been misled underscores the chapter’s exploration of shifting loyalties and the danger of trusting appearances.

      3. Question 3

      Describe the significance of Dalinar’s use of the “Thrill” in this chapter. How does it affect his perception and actions, and what potential risks does it pose?
      Answer:
      The “Thrill” is depicted as a powerful, almost supernatural force that surges within Dalinar during moments of extreme stress or combat. It enhances his physical capabilities, granting him heightened focus, strength, and clarity—allowing him to push through fatigue and even survive being buried in a landslide. The Thrill also sharpens his perception, giving him a sense of purpose and focus that borders on madness. However, its risks include the potential for dependency or losing self-control, as it can lead to reckless decisions or a blurring of moral boundaries. The chapter illustrates that while the Thrill can be a vital tool in battle, it is also a dangerous force that can consume a person if not carefully managed.

      4. Question 4

      How does the chapter use imagery and setting to heighten the suspense and emphasize Dalinar’s perilous situation?
      Answer:
      The chapter employs vivid imagery and dynamic settings to create suspense. The misty fog and the landscape of reeds, rocks, and hills evoke a sense of desolation and danger. The landslide, with its thunderous roar and tumbling rocks, heightens the chaos and threat, emphasizing Dalinar’s vulnerability. The confined space of the buried tomb, illuminated only by Stormlight seeping from his armor, intensifies the feeling of helplessness and claustrophobia. The shifting stones and the soundscape of scraping rocks and distant voices add to the tension, making the reader feel the immediacy of the danger Dalinar faces. These elements work together to underscore the peril and uncertainty of his situation, keeping the reader on edge.

      5. Question 5

      In what ways does Dalinar’s encounter with the trap and subsequent escape reflect his leadership qualities and inner resolve?
      Answer:
      Dalinar’s response to the trap showcases his resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering resolve—key qualities of leadership. Despite being buried and injured, he refuses to succumb to despair or passive acceptance. Instead, he taps into his inner strength, driven by the “fire” of the Plate and the Thrill, to assess his situation and act decisively. His clever use of his armor and the environment to free himself demonstrates tactical thinking and determination. His decision to stand up and face his enemies rather than remain trapped reflects courage and a refusal to be defeated. This episode underscores his capacity to endure and lead even in the direst circumstances, reinforcing his role as a resilient and formidable leader.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Those possibilities intrigued Dalinar. Could men be trained to fire bows from horseback? How devastating would that be? What about a charge of horses bearing men with spears, like the legends spoke of during the Shin invasion?”

      This quote highlights Dalinar’s strategic curiosity and the importance of innovation in warfare, setting the tone for the chapter’s focus on combat tactics and leadership.

      2. “There were two fires burning inside him. First the energy of the Plate, lending power to each step. The second fire was the Thrill. Sadeas, a traitor? Impossible. Dalinar trusted him.”

      This passage reveals Dalinar’s internal struggle—his reliance on the power of his armor and his initial trust in allies—emphasizing themes of loyalty and the tension between perception and suspicion.

      3. “This… this was a trap… Dalinar was not a traitor. This had been designed by the Rift and its highlord to lure Dalinar in, then drop stones to crush him. Cowards.”

      This statement underscores the chapter’s pivotal moment of betrayal and deception, illustrating the high-stakes danger Dalinar faces and the treacherous environment of political and military intrigue.

      4. “He carried Shards. They would find him to recover their prize.”

      This line emphasizes Dalinar’s resilience and the significance of the Shardplate, symbolizing his strength and the dangerous pursuit of power, even in dire circumstances.

      5. “Dalinar heaved with his Plated feet and shifted a boulder with his still-armored hand, opening enough space that he could stand up straight. He ripped free of the tomb and stumbled upright into open air, stones clattering.”

      This moment marks Dalinar’s physical and symbolic escape from peril, illustrating his determination and resourcefulness in overcoming betrayal and life-threatening traps.

    Quotes

    1. “Those possibilities intrigued Dalinar. Could men be trained to fire bows from horseback? How devastating would that be? What about a charge of horses bearing men with spears, like the legends spoke of during the Shin invasion?”

    This quote highlights Dalinar’s strategic curiosity and the importance of innovation in warfare, setting the tone for the chapter’s focus on combat tactics and leadership.

    2. “There were two fires burning inside him. First the energy of the Plate, lending power to each step. The second fire was the Thrill. Sadeas, a traitor? Impossible. Dalinar trusted him.”

    This passage reveals Dalinar’s internal struggle—his reliance on the power of his armor and his initial trust in allies—emphasizing themes of loyalty and the tension between perception and suspicion.

    3. “This… this was a trap… Dalinar was not a traitor. This had been designed by the Rift and its highlord to lure Dalinar in, then drop stones to crush him. Cowards.”

    This statement underscores the chapter’s pivotal moment of betrayal and deception, illustrating the high-stakes danger Dalinar faces and the treacherous environment of political and military intrigue.

    4. “He carried Shards. They would find him to recover their prize.”

    This line emphasizes Dalinar’s resilience and the significance of the Shardplate, symbolizing his strength and the dangerous pursuit of power, even in dire circumstances.

    5. “Dalinar heaved with his Plated feet and shifted a boulder with his still-armored hand, opening enough space that he could stand up straight. He ripped free of the tomb and stumbled upright into open air, stones clattering.”

    This moment marks Dalinar’s physical and symbolic escape from peril, illustrating his determination and resourcefulness in overcoming betrayal and life-threatening traps.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    What motivates Dalinar to lead the charge during the attack on the Rift, and how does his internal state influence his actions?
    Answer:
    Dalinar is driven by a combination of strategic purpose and internal emotional forces. His motivation to lead the charge stems from a desire to uncover the truth about the caravan and potential betrayal, as well as to demonstrate leadership and resolve. His internal state is heavily influenced by the “fire” of the Plate and the Thrill, which boost his energy and focus but also create a sense of focus bordering on obsession. The Thrill, in particular, heightens his sense of purpose, making him feel more powerful and determined, even to the point of madness. This internal drive compels him to ignore fatigue and push forward, showcasing his unwavering commitment and the dangerous allure of the adrenaline-frazed state he enters during combat.

    2. Question 2

    How does the chapter depict the theme of betrayal, and what clues suggest that Dalinar’s initial assumptions about Sadeas and the enemy might be misleading?
    Answer:
    The chapter explores betrayal as a central theme through Dalinar’s suspicions and the unfolding events. Initially, Dalinar trusts Sadeas, believing him to be loyal and supportive of Gavilar, but his encounter with the enemy forces wearing Sadeas’s colors raises doubts. Clues indicating potential deception include the fact that the enemy was disguised, potentially to lure Dalinar into a trap, and their apparent use of Sadeas’s colors, which could be a tactic to mislead him. The landslide attack, designed by the Rift’s highlord, further suggests a complex plot involving treachery and manipulation. Dalinar’s realization that he might have been misled underscores the chapter’s exploration of shifting loyalties and the danger of trusting appearances.

    3. Question 3

    Describe the significance of Dalinar’s use of the “Thrill” in this chapter. How does it affect his perception and actions, and what potential risks does it pose?
    Answer:
    The “Thrill” is depicted as a powerful, almost supernatural force that surges within Dalinar during moments of extreme stress or combat. It enhances his physical capabilities, granting him heightened focus, strength, and clarity—allowing him to push through fatigue and even survive being buried in a landslide. The Thrill also sharpens his perception, giving him a sense of purpose and focus that borders on madness. However, its risks include the potential for dependency or losing self-control, as it can lead to reckless decisions or a blurring of moral boundaries. The chapter illustrates that while the Thrill can be a vital tool in battle, it is also a dangerous force that can consume a person if not carefully managed.

    4. Question 4

    How does the chapter use imagery and setting to heighten the suspense and emphasize Dalinar’s perilous situation?
    Answer:
    The chapter employs vivid imagery and dynamic settings to create suspense. The misty fog and the landscape of reeds, rocks, and hills evoke a sense of desolation and danger. The landslide, with its thunderous roar and tumbling rocks, heightens the chaos and threat, emphasizing Dalinar’s vulnerability. The confined space of the buried tomb, illuminated only by Stormlight seeping from his armor, intensifies the feeling of helplessness and claustrophobia. The shifting stones and the soundscape of scraping rocks and distant voices add to the tension, making the reader feel the immediacy of the danger Dalinar faces. These elements work together to underscore the peril and uncertainty of his situation, keeping the reader on edge.

    5. Question 5

    In what ways does Dalinar’s encounter with the trap and subsequent escape reflect his leadership qualities and inner resolve?
    Answer:
    Dalinar’s response to the trap showcases his resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering resolve—key qualities of leadership. Despite being buried and injured, he refuses to succumb to despair or passive acceptance. Instead, he taps into his inner strength, driven by the “fire” of the Plate and the Thrill, to assess his situation and act decisively. His clever use of his armor and the environment to free himself demonstrates tactical thinking and determination. His decision to stand up and face his enemies rather than remain trapped reflects courage and a refusal to be defeated. This episode underscores his capacity to endure and lead even in the direst circumstances, reinforcing his role as a resilient and formidable leader.

    Note