Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
“Rhythm of War” is the fourth installment in Brandon Sanderson’s epic fantasy series, The Stormlight Archive. Set on the planet Roshar, the novel continues the conflict between Dalinar Kholin’s coalition of Knights Radiant and the forces of Odium, a malevolent god seeking dominion. The story delves deeper into the psychological and emotional struggles of key characters, including Kaladin, Shallan, and Navani, as they grapple with war, trauma, and the mysteries of ancient magics. Themes of resilience, identity, and the cost of power are explored amidst intricate world-building and high-stakes battles. The book expands the Cosmere universe, revealing new layers of lore and setting the stage for future confrontations.
21. The Seething Knot
bySanderson, Brandon
The chapter opens with Adolin Kholin grappling with the seemingly trivial yet deeply personal decision of choosing an outfit for an important mission into Shadesmar. He compares the process to dueling, where instincts honed through practice guide his choices. Despite his usual confidence, he hesitates between a traditional Kholin blue jacket and a bold yellow one, reflecting his internal conflict between duty and self-expression. His struggle highlights the tension between societal expectations and individuality, as he seeks to balance practicality with his desire to make a statement.
Shallan enters, teasing Adolin about his indecision and suggesting his meticulousness stems from a deeper concern beyond impressing the honorspren they will meet. Their playful banter reveals their close relationship, with Shallan’s patience contrasting Adolin’s perfectionism. The scene underscores Adolin’s need to project confidence and control, even in seemingly minor choices, as he prepares for the mission. Shallan’s remark about jealousy humorously hints at their mutual affection, while also emphasizing Adolin’s awareness of how others perceive him.
After Shallan leaves, Adolin finally settles on a hybrid uniform he designed years ago—a blend of tradition and personal flair that his father, Dalinar, once disapproved of. The choice symbolizes Adolin’s growing independence and willingness to defy expectations, even as he acknowledges his father’s lingering influence. The uniform represents a compromise between his identity as a Kholin and his creative instincts, marking a subtle but significant moment of self-assertion.
The chapter concludes with Adolin visiting a clinic before departure, where he encounters a line of patients awaiting treatment. This detour reveals his compassion and sense of responsibility, contrasting his earlier focus on appearances. The brief interaction with Kaladin’s family hints at the broader societal challenges and the interconnected lives of the characters, grounding Adolin’s personal journey in the larger narrative of their world.
FAQs
1. How does Adolin’s approach to choosing clothing mirror his approach to dueling, and what does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Adolin compares selecting an outfit to fighting a duel, emphasizing that both rely on well-honed instincts rather than conscious deliberation. He notes that effective instincts in both areas require dedicated practice—studying fashion folios for clothing and training extensively for dueling. This parallel reveals Adolin’s disciplined nature and his belief in preparation, even for seemingly trivial matters. The chapter shows that while he generally trusts his instincts, moments of hesitation (like his jacket indecision) demonstrate his human vulnerability. Ultimately, this comparison highlights how Adolin applies the same thoughtful dedication to all aspects of his life, from combat to personal expression.2. What symbolic significance does Adolin’s rediscovered uniform hold in the context of his relationship with Dalinar?
Answer:
The custom uniform represents Adolin’s conflicted relationship with authority and tradition. Designed years earlier as a compromise between military formality and personal style, it was rejected by Dalinar, leading Adolin to discard it. His decision to wear it now—despite knowing Dalinar would disapprove—signals growing independence from his father’s expectations. The chapter emphasizes this tension by noting Dalinar’s general disapproval of Adolin lately. By reclaiming this hybrid uniform, Adolin asserts his identity as both a Kholin soldier and an individual with creative expression, suggesting an evolving self-acceptance amid their strained relationship.3. Analyze how Shallan’s dialogue and appearance in this chapter reflect her current psychological state.
Answer:
Shallan appears as a blend of her personas: wearing Veil’s practical clothing but with her natural red hair, signaling partial integration of her identities. Her teasing remark about jealousy over Adolin’s jacket selection shows playful affection, contrasting with Veil’s guarded demeanor. However, her perceptive comment—”you’re not fussing today because of the honorspren”—reveals her sharp emotional intelligence. The chapter notes Adolin can discern her true self through her gaze, suggesting Shallan is more emotionally present here than when fully masked by a persona. This scene portrays her in a transitional state—neither fully fractured nor wholly unified, but authentically engaged with Adolin.4. What broader themes about self-expression and societal expectations emerge from Adolin’s fashion dilemma?
Answer:
Adolin’s struggle encapsulates the tension between individuality and conformity. The traditional Kholin blue uniform represents duty and familial legacy, while the bold yellow jacket symbolizes personal flair and trendsetting. His final choice—a previously suppressed hybrid design—suggests a reconciliation of these forces. The chapter highlights societal pressures through Adolin’s awareness that his choices influence others (“half the men would be trying to imitate you”). This mirrors larger themes in the Stormlight Archive about forging identity amid external expectations. Adolin’s arc here parallels the Knights Radiant’s broader struggle to redefine their roles beyond traditional Vorin norms.5. How does the clinic scene contrast with the chapter’s earlier focus on Adolin’s personal concerns, and what narrative purpose might this serve?
Answer:
The abrupt shift from Adolin’s fashion preoccupation to the crowded clinic introduces a stark class contrast. While Adolin deliberates over jackets, ordinary people wait for basic medical care—a reminder of the broader societal context. This juxtaposition may foreshadow Adolin’s growing leadership role, hinting that his attention will soon turn from personal style to communal responsibilities. The presence of Kaladin’s parents (healers serving the public) also subtly contrasts with Dalinar’s rigid militarism, perhaps suggesting alternative models of leadership Adolin might emulate. This scene grounds the narrative in everyday Rosharan life, balancing the protagonist’s internal conflicts with the world’s larger needs.
Quotes
1. “Choosing an outfit for the day was a lot like fighting a duel. In both, instincts—rather than conscious decisions—were the key to victory.”
This quote captures Adolin’s philosophy on decision-making, drawing a parallel between fashion and combat. It introduces the chapter’s reflective tone on intuition and preparation, setting up his internal conflict about identity and self-expression.
2. “The real trick in both cases was making the effort to build your instincts. You couldn’t parry a thrust with muscle memory if you hadn’t spent years practicing those maneuvers.”
This expands on the theme of cultivated expertise, emphasizing that true mastery—whether in fashion or swordsmanship—requires deliberate practice. It underscores Adolin’s disciplined approach beneath his seemingly effortless charm.
3. “He emerged from his room a few minutes later wearing a uniform he hadn’t put on in years… He’d wanted to create something that would look sharp while satisfying his father’s requirements.”
This pivotal moment represents Adolin reclaiming his personal style while reconciling with his strained relationship with Dalinar. The customized uniform symbolizes his balance between tradition and individuality.
4. “Father probably still wouldn’t approve, but these days Dalinar didn’t approve of Adolin in general. So what was the harm?”
A poignant reflection on Adolin’s growing independence from his father’s expectations. This quote reveals his emotional maturity in accepting their differences while making choices authentic to himself.