Oathbringer
88. Voices
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a reflection on Gavilar’s aging and the toll his responsibilities have taken on him, highlighting Dalinar’s observant stance from the shadows of the king’s den. Dalinar perceives Gavilar as worn and in need of renewal, perhaps through a hunt or some other activity to restore his vitality. The scene underscores Dalinar’s role as a quiet sentinel, watching the political machinations unfold while grappling with his own internal struggles. The atmosphere is tense, filled with unspoken pain and the weight of leadership, setting a somber tone that emphasizes the emotional and physical costs of power and responsibility.
Dalinar’s internal monologue reveals the deep scars inflicted by recent events, particularly the destruction of the Rift and the loss of his wife, Evi. Sadeas’s manipulation of the narrative to blame Dalinar for the city’s destruction adds to his feelings of guilt and isolation. Gavilar’s cautious attitude toward Dalinar’s potential violence underscores the danger he perceives in Dalinar’s strength. Dalinar’s aversion to fire—linked to traumatic memories—symbolizes his struggle to confront his past and the destructive impulses that threaten to consume him, illustrating his internal conflict and sense of helplessness.
The narrative shifts to Dalinar’s interactions with his son, Adolin, revealing a complex relationship marked by pride, concern, and a growing sense of distance. Adolin’s youthful enthusiasm and desire to prove himself in combat contrast with Dalinar’s internal turmoil. Dalinar’s sternness and attempt to maintain discipline reflect his desire to instill strength and honor in his son, even as he battles his own emotional wounds. The scene underscores the generational divide and the lingering impact of loss, with Dalinar’s memories of happier times conflicting with his current despair.
In the closing scenes, Dalinar’s desperation drives him to seek solace outside the palace’s formal settings, leading him to the Beggars’ Porch in the palace’s depths. Here, he encounters the suffering of the less fortunate, symbolizing his own feelings of helplessness and moral conflict. His interactions with the beggars and the religious statues reinforce themes of guilt, duty, and the search for redemption. Dalinar’s internal struggle with his past, his role as a leader, and his desire for peace and clarity are woven throughout the chapter, illustrating a man torn between his responsibilities and his inner demons.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What are the emotional and psychological struggles Dalinar faces in this chapter, and how do they influence his actions?
Answer:
Dalinar is depicted as deeply tormented by grief, guilt, and memories of her—likely referencing Evi—who was killed in the fires. His internal struggle manifests as nightmares, flashbacks of children burning, and a sense of cowardice for not being able to escape the pain. These feelings lead him to seek solace in alcohol and to avoid confronting his emotions directly, as seen when he avoids his rooms due to her scent and when he searches for wine. His mental anguish also influences his interactions, making him appear stern and distant, especially towards his son Adolin. These struggles reveal his internal conflict—he is haunted by past trauma and perceives himself as deteriorating mentally, which affects his capacity to lead and process his grief healthily.2. Question 2
How does the chapter depict the political and social tensions within the palace, particularly concerning Dalinar’s reputation and his relationship with others?
Answer:
The chapter portrays a palace rife with underlying tensions. Dalinar is seen as a formidable, authoritative figure—”the Blackthorn” and the “soldier”—respected for his military prowess but also somewhat isolated. His reputation is complicated; Gavilar’s public censure of Dalinar and Sadeas for the destruction of Kholinar suggests political maneuvering to distance the king from the Blackthorn’s potentially destructive power. Dalinar’s secretive actions, like sneaking into the kitchens for wine and avoiding the main areas, highlight his marginalization and internal conflict. His interactions with Adolin reveal a strained but caring relationship, where Dalinar’s sternness masks a deep concern. Overall, the chapter reflects a society where political intrigue, personal grief, and social hierarchy influence individual behaviors and perceptions.3. Question 3
In what ways does Dalinar’s internal conflict reflect broader themes of duty, loss, and identity present in the chapter?
Answer:
Dalinar’s internal conflict underscores the tension between his sense of duty and personal suffering. His grief over her death and the trauma associated with the fires have compromised his mental state, yet he continues to uphold his responsibilities as a leader and father. His refusal to indulge in wine openly and his stern reprimands to Adolin demonstrate his desire to maintain discipline and honor, despite his emotional turmoil. The chapter explores how loss and trauma threaten to diminish his identity as a strong, unyielding general, but his persistent sense of duty keeps him anchored. This internal struggle embodies the broader theme of personal sacrifice and the challenge of balancing emotional vulnerability with the expectations of leadership.4. Question 4
How does the chapter explore the theme of repression versus vulnerability, particularly through Dalinar’s interactions with the environment and other characters?
Answer:
Dalinar’s actions reveal a tendency to repress his vulnerability—he avoids her scent, suppresses his tears, and masks his pain behind sternness. His retreat into the palace’s hidden corners, like sneaking into the kitchens or the Beggars’ Porch, symbolizes his attempt to hide his suffering from others. His interaction with Adolin shows a desire to connect but also a reluctance to show weakness, as he criticizes his son’s attire and behavior. The chapter suggests that Dalinar’s repression is both a coping mechanism and a barrier to healing. His internal vulnerability is palpable, but he chooses to conceal it, highlighting the universal struggle between societal expectations of strength and the human need for emotional expression.5. Question 5
Considering the chapter’s depiction of Dalinar’s mental state, what might this suggest about the importance of emotional health and self-awareness for leaders?
Answer:
Dalinar’s mental state—marked by grief, nightmares, and internal chaos—illustrates how emotional health is crucial for effective leadership. His struggle with guilt and trauma affects his capacity to lead with clarity and compassion. The chapter emphasizes that repressing emotions can lead to deterioration of mental resilience, which may have dire consequences for both the individual and those they lead. Self-awareness, acknowledgment of emotional pain, and seeking support are implied as necessary for healing and maintaining strength. Leaders who ignore their emotional well-being risk becoming disconnected from their purpose and their people, underscoring the importance of emotional intelligence as a foundation for true leadership.
Quotes
1. “He’s looking so old, Grey before his time. He needs something to revitalize him. A hunt, maybe?”
This quote highlights Gavilar’s aging and the subtle concern about his vitality, setting the tone for the political and personal tensions in the chapter. It reflects Dalinar’s observations about Gavilar’s deteriorating condition and foreshadows the underlying fragility within the royal court.
2. “All it had cost was one city. And possibly Dalinar’s sanity.”
This stark statement underscores the devastating consequences of Dalinar’s actions and the toll of war and leadership. It reveals the internal conflict Dalinar faces, recognizing that the price of his duty may be his own mental stability, emphasizing the chapter’s exploration of sacrifice and trauma.
3. “I’d be proud if you’d watch my bout this week. I think you’ll be pleased with my performance.”
This line encapsulates Adolin’s youthful ambition and desire for his father’s approval. It marks a moment of personal hope and the complex relationship between Dalinar and his son, contrasting innocence with the burdens of leadership.
4. “He slipped down the stairwell into the depths of the building, entering halls that led toward the kitchens in one direction, the catacombs in the other. A few twists and turns led him out onto the Beggars’ Porch: a small patio between the compost heaps and the gardens.”
This passage signifies Dalinar’s desperation and the lengths he will go to find solace outside the pomp of the palace. It symbolizes his internal struggle, seeking refuge among the marginalized and the oppressed, and hints at deeper themes of humility and hidden pain.
5. “Weeping. Children burning. Begging their fathers to save them from the flames. And Evi’s voice, accompanying them all…”
This haunting description powerfully conveys the trauma and guilt that haunt Dalinar, illustrating the emotional and psychological scars of war and loss. It underscores the chapter’s central theme of internal torment and the burden of past deeds.