Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
27. Banners
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with Navani reflecting on the symbolic and practical nature of war banners as they flutter in the cold wind of Urithiru. The banners, emblazoned with Dalinar’s glyph, serve both as markers of organization and as glaring targets for the enemy. Navani muses on the paradox of banners: they instill discipline and unity but also draw attention to key leaders, making them vulnerable. This introspection sets the tone for the chapter’s exploration of symbolism and strategy in warfare.
Dalinar and Navani share a tender moment amidst the preparations for battle, highlighting their personal connection despite the stoic Alethi culture that discourages public displays of affection. Their conversation shifts to concerns about Taravangian, a cunning adversary whose motives remain unclear. Dalinar has taken precautions, including stationing Taravangian’s forces away from the command post and secretly assigning Szeth, disguised as a soldier, to guard him. Navani, however, worries they might still be falling into Taravangian’s traps.
The focus then turns to Gav, a young boy eager to join Dalinar in war, though Dalinar assures him he will only be involved in strategy, not combat. Navani expresses her anxiety over Gav’s youth, but Dalinar insists it’s important to include him, reflecting on his past mistakes of distancing himself from his own children. This subplot underscores themes of mentorship, legacy, and the emotional burdens of leadership.
The chapter concludes with Navani bidding farewell to her daughter and observing the contrasting behaviors of Jasnah and Taravangian. Jasnah’s use of a palanquin projects strength, while Taravangian’s refusal of one masks his vulnerability. Navani recognizes these as calculated displays, reinforcing the chapter’s emphasis on perception and manipulation in politics and war. The scene leaves readers pondering the blurred lines between appearance and reality in the struggle for power.
FAQs
1. What is the symbolic significance of war banners in this chapter, and how does Navani view their paradoxical nature?
Answer:
The war banners serve as both organizational tools and symbolic targets on the battlefield. Navani appreciates their aesthetic value and practical function in marking divisions and maintaining discipline among troops, as Dalinar emphasizes their importance in preventing disarray. However, she also recognizes their paradoxical nature—while they signify order and leadership, they simultaneously act as glaring indicators of high-value targets, essentially inviting enemy forces to strike at command centers. This duality reflects the tension between military strategy and vulnerability, highlighting how symbols of strength can become liabilities in warfare.
2. How does the chapter portray the relationship between Dalinar and Navani, and what cultural norms does their interaction challenge?
Answer:
Dalinar and Navani’s relationship is depicted as tender and affectionate, defying traditional Alethi norms of stoicism and emotional restraint. Their public display of intimacy—such as Dalinar cupping Navani’s cheek and her reciprocating—contrasts with the Alethi honor guard’s discomfort, as they pretend to ignore the interaction. The chapter critiques Alethi cultural pretenses, noting how they suppress emotions despite being driven by them historically (e.g., the influence of the Unmade). This moment underscores the tension between societal expectations and genuine human connection, with Navani and Dalinar embodying a quieter rebellion against rigid norms.
3. What strategic precautions does Dalinar take regarding Taravangian, and what does Navani suspect about his intentions?
Answer:
Dalinar employs multiple layers of precaution to mitigate Taravangian’s potential treachery. He stations Taravangian’s armies away from the command post, inserts buffer troops, and assigns Alethi honor guards to monitor him. Additionally, Szeth—disguised by a Lightweaver—is hidden among Dalinar’s guards as a lethal failsafe. Navani, however, remains skeptical, noting Taravangian’s knowing expressions and suspecting he may be manipulating them into these very actions. Her unease suggests that Taravangian’s apparent vulnerability (e.g., refusing a palanquin) could be a calculated ruse, positioning him as a master strategist who anticipates and exploits their distrust.
4. Compare and contrast the ways Jasnah and Taravangian use palanquins to project power or vulnerability. What does this reveal about their characters?
Answer:
Jasnah and Taravangian employ palanquins in opposite ways to craft their public personas. Jasnah, though physically capable, uses a palanquin to project authority and control, reinforcing her regal confidence. In contrast, Taravangian, who genuinely needs assistance due to frailty, refuses a palanquin, likely to appear humble or resilient. This dichotomy reveals their strategic mindsets: Jasnah leverages symbols to amplify her strength, while Taravangian downplays his weaknesses to avoid appearing vulnerable. Their choices reflect their broader tactics—Jasnah’s overt dominance versus Taravangian’s subtle manipulation of perceptions.
5. Why does Dalinar decide to bring Gav to war, and what deeper personal conflict does this decision reflect?
Answer:
Dalinar brings Gav to war to fulfill the child’s desire for inclusion and to atone for past failures with his older sons, Adolin and Renarin. Gav’s fear of being left behind resonates with Dalinar’s regret over pushing his other children away during his younger, angrier years. While Gav won’t engage in combat, Dalinar prioritizes their bond over convention, acknowledging the emotional toll of separation. This decision reflects Dalinar’s growth—balancing duty with familial responsibility—and his effort to rectify past mistakes by offering Gav the attention he denied his older children.
Quotes
1. “Navani had always found war banners to be curious things… They seemed alive up there on their poles, writhing like captive skyeels among the windspren.”
This vivid description captures Navani’s philosophical reflection on the paradoxical nature of war banners—both beautiful and ominous. The imagery sets the tone for the chapter’s exploration of symbols in warfare.
2. “But the banners also acted like enormous arrows, pointing the way to the most important men on the field. Banners were targets.”
This concise statement encapsulates the chapter’s central paradox: military banners serve both as organizational tools and as dangerous beacons for enemy attacks. It reveals the double-edged nature of visible leadership in war.
3. “That was their banner, never mind that for centuries one of the Unmade had driven their lust for battle to a frenzy. Never mind that they were human like any others.”
This insightful observation critiques Alethi cultural pretenses about emotional stoicism. The “banner” metaphor extends to societal facades, connecting to the chapter’s broader theme of how symbols conceal deeper truths.
4. “Almighty send that the cure was not worse than the disease.”
Navani’s anxious thought about trusting Szeth as Dalinar’s bodyguard represents the chapter’s tension between security and risk. This pithy phrase captures the dilemma of combating one threat by potentially embracing another.
5. “Taravangian seemed weaker while walking—while Jasnah seemed stronger when carried. More confident, in control. Which is exactly how each of them wishes to appear.”
This concluding observation about calculated appearances ties back to the chapter’s exploration of symbolic representation. It shows how different leaders manipulate perceptions, mirroring the earlier banner metaphor.