Oathbringer
86. That Others May Stand
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a reflection from a character who is contemplating their impending commitment to the Fourth Ideal and the armor that comes with it. They express doubt about their worthiness, questioning whether they truly want to help others, and reveal a sense of internal conflict. This introspective moment highlights the burden of the ideals and the pressure to live up to heroic standards, even when personal doubts and fears threaten to overwhelm. The character’s internal dialogue sets a tone of vulnerability and the struggle to reconcile their sense of duty with feelings of inadequacy.
Dalinar Kholin, the chapter’s central figure, stands solemnly on his balcony at Urithiru, observing the vast, empty landscape. His physical posture and mental state reflect deep inner turmoil. Despite efforts by others to convince him to rest, Dalinar is haunted by memories of past atrocities, particularly the cries of children and the horrors of war. His emotional restraint masks a profound pain rooted in guilt and grief over his role in violence and destruction, especially during the Rift conflict. His internal conflict underscores the heavy toll of leadership and the moral weight he bears.
The narrative delves into Dalinar’s spiritual and moral crisis as he converses with the Stormfather, questioning the justice of his own actions. Dalinar’s memories and feelings of guilt threaten to overwhelm him, and he grapples with the idea that his bond with the Stormfather might be a mistake. The Stormfather acknowledges his own dark past, hinting that even divine beings have committed acts of destruction. Dalinar’s desire to ignore or forget these memories reveals his longing for redemption, yet he recognizes that confronting these truths is necessary for genuine growth and leadership.
In the final section, Dalinar joins others in a war council, where strategic concerns about the city of Kholinar dominate their discussions. The uncertainty of the battle’s outcome and the frustration of waiting for news weigh heavily on everyone. Dalinar’s interaction with Taravangian explores themes of leadership responsibility, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity. Both men reflect on the sacrifices required of rulers—bearing guilt and making morally complex decisions—to ensure the survival of their people. The chapter concludes with a somber acknowledgment of the personal costs of leadership and the burden of justice, emphasizing that true strength often involves profound personal sacrifice.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What internal struggles does Dalinar Kholin face in this chapter, and how do these struggles influence his actions and mindset?
Answer:
Dalinar grapples with intense internal pain and guilt over his past actions, particularly the atrocities he committed at the Rift and the destruction he caused, which haunt his memories. Despite his outward appearance of strength and leadership, he fears that these memories could crush him if he let them surface fully. His struggle with feelings of unworthiness and guilt influences his behavior, making him question his morality and the legitimacy of his leadership. His internal conflict is evident in his hesitation to accept the bond with the Stormfather, as he worries it might deepen his moral failings rather than purify him. This internal turmoil affects his capacity to act decisively, as he is burdened by the weight of his guilt and the fear of losing his sense of self.2. Question 2
How does Dalinar’s conversation with the Stormfather reflect his feelings about justice and morality?
Answer:
Dalinar’s conversation with the Stormfather reveals his deep-seated doubts about his own morality and the concept of justice. He questions why he was chosen to bond with the Stormfather, suspecting that he is not a just man and feeling unworthy of such a bond. He perceives his past actions—particularly the massacre at the Rift—as unjust, contrasting his reputation as a fair fighter with the reality of his brutal deeds. The Stormfather’s response—that he has burned cities himself and now sees pain—suggests that even entities like himself are capable of moral failings, complicating Dalinar’s understanding of justice. This exchange underscores Dalinar’s internal conflict: he seeks redemption and clarity but fears that his past deeds have forever tainted his morality, making him question whether he can truly be just or if he is inherently flawed.3. Question 3
In what ways does Taravangian’s reflection on sacrifice and responsibility deepen the chapter’s exploration of leadership and morality?
Answer:
Taravangian’s reflection emphasizes that leadership often involves difficult moral choices and personal sacrifice. He discusses the burden of making decisions—such as choosing to imprison an innocent man or execute murderers—and the guilt that comes with realizing one might have made the wrong choice. His assertion that leaders must bear responsibility and sometimes be the “sacrifices” for society highlights the moral complexity inherent in governance. Taravangian’s acknowledgment that sacrifices are necessary to allow others to stand or thrive underscores a recurring theme in the chapter: that leadership is often marked by moral compromise and the acceptance of guilt for the greater good. This reflection deepens the chapter’s exploration of how moral burden and responsibility shape leaders’ identities and actions, illustrating that even good rulers must sometimes carry heavy, morally ambiguous burdens.4. Question 4
How does the chapter portray the theme of internal versus external perception, particularly in relation to Dalinar’s identity?
Answer:
The chapter contrasts Dalinar’s external perception as a strong, honorable leader with his internal reality of guilt and moral doubt. While others see him as a formidable and just warrior, internally he struggles with memories of violence and questions whether he deserves his reputation. His fear that he is not the man others believe him to be underscores the disconnect between appearance and reality. Taravangian’s acknowledgment that he himself is not the man he perceives adds to this theme, suggesting that leaders often grapple with self-doubt and internal flaws hidden behind a façade of strength. This portrayal emphasizes that true leadership involves confronting one’s inner darkness and moral ambiguities, not just maintaining a heroic exterior. It invites reflection on the importance of self-awareness and humility in leadership.
Quotes
1. “My spren claims that recording this will be good for me, so here I go. Everyone says I will swear the Fourth Ideal soon, and in so doing, earn my armor. I simply don’t think that I can. Am I not supposed to want to help people?”
This quote highlights the protagonist’s internal struggle with the expectations placed upon him and questions whether true heroism is compatible with genuine compassion. It introduces the theme of personal doubt amid the burden of duty.
2. “Dalinar, please. At least come inside.”
This moment underscores Navani’s concern for Dalinar’s well-being and emphasizes his emotional turmoil. It marks a point where external appearances of strength hide deep internal conflict, setting the tone for his psychological struggles.
3. “Why did you bond me? Shouldn’t you have picked a man who was just?”
This reflective question reveals Dalinar’s crisis of morality and his doubts about the righteousness of his role. It encapsulates the central moral dilemma of the chapter: the burden of leadership and the cost of power.
4. “Someone must bear the responsibility. Someone must be dragged down by it, ruined by it. Someone must stain their soul so others may live.”
This powerful statement articulates the chapter’s core theme of sacrifice—how leaders often carry the weight of moral choices, suffering so that others might survive. It offers a somber reflection on the nature of leadership and moral responsibility.
5. “We, Dalinar Kholin, are the sacrifices. Society offers us up to trudge through dirty water so others may be clean.”
This closing insight emphasizes the idea that leaders are often sacrifices in the larger societal struggle, willingly bearing burdens that others cannot or will not face. It encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of sacrifice, morality, and the heavy cost of leadership.