Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
45. A Bold Heart, A Keen and Crafty Mind
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter follows Eshonai, a listener with a bold and inquisitive spirit, as she explores a lush forest beyond her people’s usual boundaries. Unlike her cautious peers, who believe mapping the wilderness steals its mystery, Eshonai embraces discovery, attuning to emotions like Awe and Joy as she charts the river and forest. She defies tradition by venturing alone, determined to uncover the forest’s true scale and secrets, viewing exploration as a way to honor their ancestors’ legacy of freedom. Her journey reflects her frustration with her people’s narrow focus on conquering the ancient cities, as she yearns to experience the wider world’s wonders.
Eshonai’s meticulous mapping process highlights her dedication and ingenuity, using handmade paper and careful measurements to document the river’s path. She dismisses her family’s skepticism, believing their fear of exploration stems from a desire to shrink the world into manageable conflicts. Her encounters with unique creatures, like a green cremling, fuel her curiosity, reinforcing her belief that nature’s secrets are meant to be uncovered. The chapter contrasts her vibrant, forward-thinking mindset with the listener society’s stagnation, as she embodies the question, “What will I discover next?”
The narrative shifts when Eshonai hears unnatural, rhythmless shouts—a stark contrast to the listeners’ melodic speech. Her initial excitement turns to alarm as she stumbles upon humans, a species she had only imagined in stories. This encounter marks a pivotal moment, blending wonder and dread, as the chapter foreshadows the profound impact this discovery will have on her people. The scene underscores the theme of exploration’s dual nature: it can reveal both beauty and unforeseen dangers.
A brief interlude introduces Venli, Eshonai’s sister, who recites a traditional song with precision, seeking her mother’s approval. Though praised, Venli is urged to practice further, hinting at the listeners’ rigid cultural expectations. This segment contrasts with Eshonai’s rebellious spirit, emphasizing the tension between tradition and progress. The chapter closes with Eshonai’s discovery of humans, leaving the reader to ponder how this encounter will challenge the listeners’ insular worldview and reshape their future.
FAQs
1. How does Eshonai’s perspective on mapping differ from that of other listeners, and what does this reveal about her character?
Answer:
Eshonai believes mapping the world doesn’t steal its mystery but instead helps one learn from it, contrasting with other listeners who view uncharted wilderness as sacred (pg. 584). Her determination to scout beyond familiar routes and create precise maps reflects her curiosity, independence, and rejection of small-minded traditions. She sees exploration as honoring their ancestors’ legacy of freedom, while others cling to narrow goals like conquering ruined cities. This highlights Eshonai’s visionary nature—she values discovery over conformity and draws strength from nature’s resilience rather than artificial shelters (pg. 585).2. Analyze the significance of Eshonai’s encounter with humans at the chapter’s end. How might this moment foreshadow larger conflicts?
Answer:
The humans’ “flat” shouts (lacking rhythmic patterns) and Eshonai’s description of them as both “wondrous and terrible” (pg. 586) suggest a profound cultural divide. This encounter likely marks the first contact between listeners and humans in this era, foreshadowing future clashes. The listeners’ isolationist tendencies (evidenced by their fear of exploration) contrast with humans’ encroachment, hinting at territorial or ideological conflicts. Eshonai’s shock also underscores how listener society’s insularity left them unprepared for external threats, which may drive later tensions or alliances.3. How does the chapter use contrasts between nature and civilization to develop its themes?
Answer:
The chapter juxtaposes the thriving forest with the listeners’ crumbling city-aspirations (pg. 585) to critique stagnant traditions. Nature is portrayed as enduring (outlasting ancient cities) and generous (providing resources like lumber), while listener society is depicted as fearful and repetitive. Eshonai’s reverence for rivers as guides contrasts with her family’s rigid routes, symbolizing freedom vs. constraint. This theme aligns with her belief that true strength lies in adaptability and learning from the natural world, not clinging to hollow ambitions like conquering ruins.4. What role do spren play in establishing the chapter’s tone and setting?
Answer:
Spren—like lifespren (green orbs), riverspren, and flamespren (pg. 584–586)—animate the world, making it feel alive and magical. Their presence underscores the listeners’ symbiotic relationship with nature: Eshonai interacts with them casually (scattering flamespren), showing their mundanity in her culture. However, their variety (e.g., carapace-covered riverspren) also emphasizes the world’s unexplored complexity, mirroring Eshonai’s curiosity. The spren’s responsiveness to emotions (e.g., Awe, Joy) deepens the narrative’s immersive quality, blending environmental and emotional landscapes.5. Compare Eshonai and Venli’s pursuits in this chapter. How do their interests reflect different approaches to knowledge?
Answer:
Eshonai seeks hands-on discovery (mapping, observing cremlings), while Venli focuses on mastering traditional songs (pg. 586). Eshonai’s knowledge is experiential and innovative (perfecting paper-making), whereas Venli’s is recitative and sanctioned by elders. Their mother’s critique of Venli’s minor stanza mix-up highlights a rigid cultural preference for preservation over creativity. This contrast foreshadows potential ideological rifts: Eshonai’s progressive mindset versus Venli’s (current) adherence to established systems, which may later influence their roles in listener society’s evolution.
Quotes
1. “She found this to be flat-out ridiculous. She attuned Awe as she entered the forest, the trees bobbing with lifespren, bright green balls with white spines poking out.”
This quote captures Eshonai’s rejection of the fear of exploration and her deep appreciation for nature’s wonders. It introduces her character as a curious and bold listener who challenges her people’s traditions.
2. “But their ancestors hadn’t fought one another. Their ancestors had turned their faces to the storm and marched away, abandoning their very gods in the name of freedom.”
This powerful statement reflects Eshonai’s critique of her people’s current small-minded conflicts. It connects to the chapter’s theme of reclaiming ancestral courage and embracing true freedom through exploration.
3. “You couldn’t steal the secrets from something so strong just by exploring it. You could merely learn.”
This philosophical insight represents the chapter’s core argument about the relationship between exploration and understanding. It counters the fearful perspective of other listeners, asserting that true knowledge comes from respectful engagement with the world.
4. “A moment later she rounded a bend and found herself confronted by something more wondrous—and more terrible—than she’d ever dared imagine. Humans.”
This climactic quote marks the pivotal moment of first contact between listeners and humans. Its dramatic tension encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of discovery’s dual nature - both exciting and dangerous.
5. “What is a secret but a surprise to be discovered?”
This concise rhetorical question perfectly summarizes Eshonai’s worldview and the chapter’s central theme. It reframes the concept of secrecy as an invitation to exploration rather than something to be feared.