Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
54. The Future Become Dust
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a poignant moment between Dalinar and his young grandson, Gavinor, as they discuss the bravery of Gav’s deceased father. Dalinar reassures the solemn child that his father died heroically, not because of him, but due to the actions of evil forces. The conversation turns to Gav’s mother, with Dalinar explaining that she was controlled by an enemy but truly loved him. The scene highlights Gav’s maturity beyond his years and Dalinar’s determination to be more present in his grandson’s life than he was with his own sons.
Dalinar reflects on the challenges of parenting as he observes Gav’s unusual behavior, such as willingly going to bed without protest. The boy’s somber demeanor contrasts with typical childhood exuberance, hinting at the trauma he has endured. Meanwhile, Dalinar navigates political tensions following Jasnah’s near-execution of Ruthar, smoothing over concerns with Alethi highlords and Azish officials. He ensures Ruthar’s dignified treatment while assessing the loyalty of Ruthar’s son, Relis, demonstrating his diplomatic acumen.
The narrative shifts to Dalinar’s observations of the war camp, where Alethi and Azish forces collaborate uneasily. Engineers and Shardbearers work together to fortify defenses, while Dalinar notes the scars of war on the landscape—burned buildings and abandoned possessions. His thoughts return to Jasnah’s controversial vision for Alethkar’s future, which troubles him. He disagrees with her proposal to weaken the monarchy, believing Alethi culture requires strong, decisive leadership akin to military command.
The chapter concludes with Dalinar visiting the Windrunner camp, where communal stews foster camaraderie among soldiers, including displaced Thaylens. Despite initial attempts to regulate this tradition, Dalinar ultimately accepts its value, recognizing that good soldiers’ disobedience may signal flawed orders. This moment underscores his growth as a leader who balances discipline with understanding, even as he grapples with larger questions about governance and Alethkar’s future.
FAQs
1. How does Dalinar’s interaction with Gavinor reveal both the psychological impact of war on children and Dalinar’s growth as a caregiver?
Answer:
The chapter shows Gavinor grappling with complex emotions about his parents’ deaths, blaming himself for his father’s sacrifice and questioning whether his mother was evil. This reveals how war trauma affects even young children, as Gav exhibits solemn behavior atypical for a five-year-old. Dalinar demonstrates personal growth by patiently addressing Gav’s concerns, correcting his misconceptions, and emphasizing both parents’ bravery. Unlike his earlier parenting with Adolin and Renarin, Dalinar is now more present and emotionally attuned, showing his commitment to not repeat past mistakes (e.g., “determined not to miss so much of Gav’s life”).2. Analyze how Jasnah’s political philosophy contrasts with traditional Alethi values, as revealed through Dalinar’s reflections.
Answer:
Dalinar’s internal monologue reveals a fundamental clash between Jasnah’s progressive vision of a “neutered monarchy” (like Thaylenah or Azir) and traditional Alethi values that prize strong, decisive leadership. While Jasnah seems proud of potentially being Alethkar’s last queen, Dalinar believes Alethi society—comparatively less bureaucratic than Azir—requires authoritative rulers (“someone strong needed to be in charge”). This tension reflects broader themes of cultural change versus tradition, with Dalinar questioning how a monarch-less Alethkar could function given its martial culture (“A country was like an army”).3. What does the Windrunner camp’s communal stew tradition reveal about leadership and military culture in Dalinar’s coalition?
Answer:
The Windrunners’ insistence on maintaining their communal stew tradition—despite violating standard military protocols—demonstrates how Dalinar’s leadership style has evolved. Initially trying to regulate it, he ultimately recognizes the value of organic traditions that foster unity (“When good men disobey, it was time to look at your orders”). The stew becomes a cultural touchstone that attracts marginalized soldiers (like Thaylens), suggesting Dalinar’s coalition succeeds by balancing discipline with flexibility. This mirrors his broader approach of adapting principles to real-world contexts rather than rigidly enforcing norms.4. How does the chapter use environmental details to underscore the costs of war beyond battlefield casualties?
Answer:
Descriptions of the war-torn landscape—burnt buildings, abandoned possessions, and crem-trapped cloth—visually reinforce war’s collateral damage. These details highlight displaced civilians (homes “torched to deny beds to the army”) and ecological disruption, contrasting with the army’s bustling activity. The juxtaposition of military efficiency (Shardbearers/Windrunners building stormwalls) with destruction emphasizes war’s duality: organized for combatants but chaotic for civilians. The Azish village’s transformation into a camp symbolizes how war repurposes civilian spaces, leaving scars on both land and people.5. Evaluate Dalinar’s handling of the fallout from Jasnah’s near-execution of Ruthar. What does this reveal about his political role?
Answer:
Dalinar acts as both diplomat and stabilizer, smoothing tensions with Azish officials offended by “Alethi trials by sword” while ensuring Jasnah’s actions aren’t legally challenged. His pragmatic compromise—exiling Ruthar to a monitored house in Azimir rather than letting him beg—shows his ability to balance mercy with political pragmatism. By personally engaging Relis (Ruthar’s son), he prevents generational grudges. This illustrates Dalinar’s unique role as bridge between Jasnah’s radicalism and traditionalists, using his reputation to maintain cohesion in the coalition through interpersonal diplomacy and symbolic gestures.
Quotes
1. “‘Grampa,’ little Gavinor asked. ‘Was my daddy brave when he died?’”
This poignant moment between Dalinar and his grandson Gavinor captures the emotional weight of legacy and loss in wartime. It introduces the chapter’s exploration of familial bonds amid trauma, setting the tone for Dalinar’s reflections on parenthood and sacrifice.
2. “‘He died because of evil people.’ ‘Evil people … like Mommy?’”
This heartbreaking exchange reveals the psychological toll on Gavinor, who struggles to reconcile his mother’s actions with her love. It underscores the chapter’s theme of moral complexity, showing how war blurs lines between personal relationships and larger conflicts.
3. “When good men disobeyed, it was time to look at your orders.”
Dalinar’s realization about the Windrunners’ stew tradition demonstrates his growth as a leader. This pragmatic wisdom contrasts with his earlier rigid military mindset, showing his evolving understanding of when rules should yield to human needs.
4. “The Alethi liked real leaders, soldiers who were accustomed to making decisions. A country was like an army.”
This thought reveals Dalinar’s core political philosophy and his tension with Jasnah’s vision. It encapsulates the chapter’s central conflict between traditional Alethi militarism and emerging democratic ideals in the face of change.
5. “She intended to see Alethkar left with some version of a neutered monarchy, like in Thaylenah or Azir.”
Dalinar’s concern about Jasnah’s reformist plans highlights the generational and ideological divide in leadership. This quote foreshadows coming political transformations while questioning what it means to preserve a nation’s identity during upheaval.