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.
I-5. Lift
bySanderson, Brandon
Lift, a skilled thief, finds herself dangling from a rope in Urithiru, attempting to steal a basket of food. Despite her expertise, she no longer feels the same thrill from stealing as she once did. She clings to the act out of habit, hating change, and enjoys the panic on her victims’ faces when they discover their food is gone. However, their fond reactions when they realize it’s her ruin the experience, leaving her frustrated and conflicted.
After successfully snatching the basket, Lift retreats into the hidden tunnels of Urithiru, where her spren companion, Wyndle, awaits. The basket contains food seemingly left out for her by a Horneater boy, which irritates her because it undermines her self-image as a feared shadow. She grudgingly admits the food is good but feels humiliated by the kindness. Wyndle, oblivious to her turmoil, cheerfully comments on the bounty, further annoying her.
As Lift navigates the tunnels, she reflects on the eerie atmosphere of Urithiru during the Everstorm, sensing something is wrong. She uses her abilities to slip through tight spaces, eventually reaching a small intersection where she inspects her stolen goods. The discovery of a jar of jam with a loving symbol forces her to acknowledge the boy’s intentions, though she resists accepting his affection. Her frustration grows as she struggles to maintain her identity as a mysterious thief.
Back at her nest, Lift vents her frustrations to Wyndle, insisting she should be feared, not liked. Wyndle’s attempts to engage in metaphor only irritate her further. Despite her complaints, she admits to liking the tower’s hidden passages, which she considers her domain. The chapter ends with Lift surrounded by her stolen treasures, still grappling with her conflicting emotions about change, identity, and the unexpected kindness of others.
FAQs
1. How does Lift’s attitude toward stealing food change throughout the chapter, and what does this reveal about her character development?
Answer:
Initially, Lift insists that stealing food is her “thing” and claims to enjoy the thrill of confusing her victims. However, she gradually admits that the experience isn’t as satisfying as it once was, especially when people seem fond rather than angry after being robbed. This internal conflict reveals her resistance to change and her struggle with identity—she wants to maintain her rebellious, mysterious persona (“a shadow”) but is confronted with growing connections to others, like Gift, who leave food out for her intentionally. Her grumbling admission (“Maybe he left it out for me”) shows reluctant acceptance of kindness, marking subtle emotional growth.2. Analyze the symbolic significance of Lift’s description of Urithiru as a “sleeping” tower with herself as its “blood.” How does this metaphor reflect her worldview and role in the narrative?
Answer:
Lift’s metaphor positions Urithiru as a living but dormant entity, with herself as a vital, moving force within it. This reflects her self-perception as both insignificant (a hidden trickster) and essential (the lifeblood of the tower). The imagery also hints at her deeper connection to the tower’s mysteries—she navigates its hidden passages effortlessly, unlike others, suggesting she has an innate role in its awakening or protection. Later, when Wyndle humorously revises the metaphor to compare her to “feces,” Lift dismisses him, underscoring her need to romanticize her existence as something grander than it is, a coping mechanism for her fear of change.3. How does Wyndle serve as a foil to Lift in this chapter, and what does their dynamic reveal about her emotional state?
Answer:
Wyndle’s literal, optimistic nature contrasts sharply with Lift’s stubborn, defensive attitude. While she clings to her identity as a thief, he points out the obvious (Gift’s kindness) and finds joy in simple things (his “art installation of chairs”). Their banter—like his playful correction of her metaphor—highlights Lift’s frustration with her changing circumstances. Her insults (“dummyspren”) mask affection, and his persistence in engaging her reveals her underlying loneliness. Their dynamic shows Lift’s struggle to reconcile her desire for independence with her need for connection, as Wyndle’s presence forces her to confront emotions she’d rather ignore (“blarglegorf”).4. What thematic role does the Everstorm play in this chapter, even though it is not the primary focus?
Answer:
The Everstorm lingers as a backdrop, creating tension and reinforcing Lift’s sense of unease (“the strange sensation that everything was wrong”). While other Radiants seem unaffected, Lift’s heightened sensitivity to its “creepy” energy suggests her unique spiritual awareness. The storm symbolizes the larger, uncontrollable forces disrupting her world, mirroring her personal turmoil. Her desire to retreat to her nest reflects a broader theme of seeking safety amid chaos, both externally (the storm) and internally (her identity crisis). It subtly underscores the chapter’s exploration of change and instability.5. How does Lift’s “nest” in the ventilation shafts function as a symbol, and what does it tell us about her needs and fears?
Answer:
Lift’s nest—a hidden space filled with stolen treasures and comforts—represents her conflicting desires for autonomy and security. It is a refuge from the adult world (she notes others are “too big” or “too frightened” to enter) and a physical manifestation of her self-reliance. However, the items she hoards (Dalinar’s knife, Gift’s jam) reveal her unacknowledged attachments. The nest’s location in the tower’s “veins” mirrors her liminal role: she is part of Urithiru’s community yet isolated, clinging to childhood (stealing, playfulness) while resisting the responsibilities and relationships that come with growing up.
Quotes
1. “As Lift hung from the ceiling—dangling precariously from a rope with one hand, reaching out with the other toward the basket—she was forced to acknowledge that stealing food just didn’t give her the same thrill it once had.”
This opening line captures Lift’s internal conflict—her resistance to change despite recognizing that her old ways no longer satisfy her. It sets the tone for the chapter’s exploration of identity and growth.
2. “You weren’t supposed to be fond when someone stole from you. Ruined the entire experience.”
This humorous yet insightful observation highlights Lift’s struggle with her self-image as a thief. The quote reveals how her relationships with others are evolving in ways that challenge her established persona.
3. “I’m not supposed to be liked. I’m a shadow. A dangerous and unknown shadow, moving mysteriously from place to place, never seen. Always feared.”
This quote perfectly encapsulates Lift’s internal conflict between her desire to maintain her rebellious, independent identity and the reality that she’s becoming accepted and cared for by others in Urithiru.
4. “This tower, it’s like a big ol’ corpse. And I’m like blood, sneaking around through its veins.”
This vivid metaphor demonstrates Lift’s unique perspective on Urithiru and her place within it. The imagery reflects both her connection to the tower and her self-perception as something vital yet hidden.
5. “Fine. It’s not dead. It’s sleepin’ and we are its stormin’ blood. All right?”
This adjustment to her earlier metaphor, prompted by Wyndle’s literal-mindedness, shows Lift’s imaginative thinking and her evolving understanding of Urithiru’s nature. The quote also showcases her characteristic humor and frustration with her spren companion.