Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
I‑9. The Sword
by Sanderson, BrandonTaravangian awakens to another day of physical and mental struggle, caught between the pain of movement and the anguish of staying still. His cognitive abilities are diminished, making even simple tasks like reading his own notes laborious. He notices sunlight streaming through a window he didn’t open, realizing Dalinar must have ordered it—a small kindness in his confined existence. Despite his foggy mind, Taravangian forces himself to follow a routine, copying instructions into a notebook, though their meaning eludes him in his current state.
The chapter delves into Taravangian’s internal conflict as he grapples with his diminished intellect and the frustration of forgetting simple things, like checking for fresh food before eating stale bread. He reflects on how others perceive his struggles, feeling isolated and misunderstood. His emotional vulnerability is palpable, especially when he recalls how people’s anger at his mistakes often reduced him to tears. The narrative highlights his loneliness and the weight of living with a mind that betrays him.
A sudden interruption comes when a guard announces a visitor, sparking Taravangian’s hope that it might be Szeth, the person he’s been preparing to meet. Instead, he’s confronted by Renarin, Dalinar’s son, who speaks cryptically about seeing darkness in Taravangian’s future with a flicker of light. Renarin’s awkward attempt to offer comfort—extending his hand—leaves Taravangian emotionally raw but unable to accept the gesture. The encounter underscores Taravangian’s isolation and the moral ambiguity of his chosen path.
The chapter closes with Taravangian questioning his certainty about his decisions, juxtaposed against the guard’s grim assertion that not everyone can return from darkness. Renarin’s words linger, suggesting hope even in Taravangian’s self-imposed exile. The tension between Taravangian’s resolve and his lingering doubts creates a poignant ending, leaving the reader to ponder whether his path is one of necessity or folly.
FAQs
1. How does Taravangian’s mental state affect his daily routine and decision-making in this chapter?
Answer:
Taravangian’s fluctuating intelligence and cognitive struggles profoundly impact his daily life. The chapter opens with him debating whether to endure the pain of moving or the anguish of staying in bed, highlighting his physical and mental suffering. His “thoughts moving as if through thick syrup” illustrate his impaired reasoning, causing him to forget tasks (like checking for fresh food) and requiring laborious repetition to comprehend his own notes. His emotional volatility—nearly crying when frustrated or touched by Renarin’s gesture—further complicates his interactions. These challenges force him to rely on pre-written instructions from his smarter self, revealing how his unstable condition creates a fragmented existence.2. Analyze the significance of Renarin’s visit and his message about “darkness” and “light.” How does this interaction reflect broader themes in the story?
Answer:
Renarin’s visit introduces a moral and metaphysical tension. His vision of Taravangian’s “dark” future with a “flickering light” symbolizes the conflict between damnation and redemption, mirroring Dalinar’s own past struggles. Renarin’s hesitant offer of hope (“no man is ever so far lost”) contrasts with Taravangian’s resigned pragmatism (“We can’t all return from the dark”). This echoes the series’ theme of choice versus destiny—Taravangian believes his path is deliberate, while Renarin suggests transformation is possible. The awkward handshake attempt underscores the difficulty of connection, emphasizing isolation as both a personal and cosmic struggle in the narrative.3. Why does Taravangian distrust Dalinar Kholin’s involvement in his plans, despite acknowledging him as “kindly”?
Answer:
Taravangian’s notes explicitly warn against involving Dalinar because Dalinar would “do what was right. Not what was needed.” This dichotomy reflects their opposing philosophies: Dalinar prioritizes moral absolutes (honor, unity), while Taravangian embraces utilitarian sacrifices (e.g., his past murders for the “greater good”). Taravangian admires Dalinar’s kindness but fears his rigidity would thwart necessary ruthlessness. The chapter reinforces this when Renarin mentions Dalinar’s disappointment in failing to “change” Taravangian—highlighting their irreconcilable worldviews. Taravangian’s distrust stems from a belief that survival requires morally ambiguous actions Dalinar would reject.4. How does the physical setting (e.g., the boarded-up window, prison-like room) mirror Taravangian’s psychological state?
Answer:
The oppressive setting externalizes Taravangian’s inner turmoil. Initially, the “boarded-up” windows symbolize his isolation and self-imposed confinement to his destructive plans. The sudden sunlight from Dalinar’s intervention represents fleeting hope or external compassion, which Taravangian struggles to accept. His prison-like room mirrors his mental captivity—to his fluctuating intelligence, guilt, and deterministic worldview (“I knew precisely where I was going”). Even the stale bread he eats before noticing fresh food reflects his habitual suffering and myopic focus. These details create a claustrophobic atmosphere that parallels his trapped psyche.5. Evaluate the guard’s final statement: “We can’t all return from the dark.” How does this complicate Renarin’s message of hope?
Answer:
The guard’s line (likely Szeth in disguise) starkly rejects Renarin’s optimism, reinforcing Taravangian’s belief in irredeemable paths. It introduces fatalism—that some choices (like Taravangian’s atrocities) permanently sever redemption. This tension between hope and despair is central to the series: Renarin represents Dalinar’s hard-won belief in change, while the guard/Taravangian embodies the Cost of utilitarian evil. The statement also foreshadows Taravangian’s future as Odium’s pawn, suggesting his “darkness” may be inevitable. By juxtaposing these perspectives, the chapter questions whether redemption is universal or if some are too far gone—a theme explored through multiple characters’ arcs.
Quotes
1. “Dalinar Kholin would do what was right. Not what was needed.”
This quote captures Taravangian’s core philosophical conflict with Dalinar, revealing his belief that moral absolutism is insufficient in the face of existential threats. It underscores the chapter’s tension between pragmatic and idealistic approaches to salvation.
2. “People took their minds for granted. They thought themselves wonderful because of how they’d been born.”
A profound reflection from Taravangian during one of his “dumb” days, highlighting the chapter’s exploration of intelligence, human nature, and the curse of self-awareness. This insight gains weight coming from a character who experiences radical fluctuations in cognitive ability.
3. “I see your future, Taravangian. It is dark. Not like anything I’ve seen before. Except there’s a point of light flickering in the darkness.”
Renarin’s prophetic vision introduces the chapter’s central mystery about Taravangian’s fate. This ominous yet hopeful imagery creates suspense while reflecting the story’s broader themes of redemption and damnation.
4. “I lived through his return, and it taught me that no man is ever so far lost that he cannot find his way back. You are not alone.”
Renarin’s attempt to reach Taravangian represents the chapter’s emotional climax, offering a counterpoint to Taravangian’s nihilism. This quote encapsulates the novel’s recurring theme of redemption while establishing Renarin as a compassionate foil to his father.
5. “We can’t all return from the dark.”
The guard’s chilling final line (possibly Odium in disguise) provides a stark rebuttal to Renarin’s hope, leaving the chapter on an ambiguous note. This duality between light and dark mirrors Taravangian’s internal conflict about his path forward.