Oathbringer

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Interlude 3

Part 2-Interlude 6

Part 3-Interlude 11

Part 4-Interlude 14

Part 5-Epilogue

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Beta

Discussion Questions

Symbols & Motifs

Secrets

The keeping of (or discovery of) secrets is a major motif in Oathbringer. Shallan sets the tone for this motif’s development throughout the novel when she tells Adolin: “Sometimes secrets are important’” (150). Adolin and Shallan keep secrets about their actions, struggles with mental health, and their true feelings. Their relationship arc is a journey to trusting one another with their secrets. Dalinar struggles with the concept of secrets versus complete honesty in more than one way. As a politician and the man trying to unite Roshar and save it from Odium, Dalinar continuously makes missteps regarding which information he shares publicly, makes privy to just a few trusted people, or keeps to himself. He idealizes transparency as a leader, but his advisors warn him against sharing too much valuable information. They instead advise that he use information as a bargaining chip. Their approach seems wrong to him, but he also knows that other leaders may not work with him unless they feel they have something to gain.

On a personal level, Dalinar knows he visited the Nightwatcher and lost his memories of his wife and her death. This turned what was originally just a secret between a few trusted Alethi into a secret kept from him, as well. Dalinar confronts the Stormfather for keeping a secret that, the spren claim, would cause the new Radiants to abandon their oaths, just as the ancient ones did. The Stormfather’s response is cryptic: “Some things are better left forgotten, the voice said to him. You of all men should understand this, considering the hole in your mind and the person who once filled it” (129). Secrets surround the characters of Oathbringer and weigh them down. This contributes to the emotional distance many of them feel from one another and cultivates for many the feeling that they are outsiders in their relationships and ranks.

The Thrill

The Thrill symbolizes destruction and a lack of control throughout Oathbringer. For Dalinar in particular, it reminds him of the years when he embraced the Thrill’s power and became the brutal soldier who destroyed armies and cities and nearly killed his brother. Historically, people viewed the Thrill as the “battle rage unique to the Alethi. Some called it the power of their ancestors, others the true mindset of the soldier. […] It was the open secret of Alethi success” (173). By the end of the novel, Dalinar and his coalition learn that this particular kind of battle rage is actually created by an Unmade, Nergaoul, one of the most powerful of the twisted and corrupt spren to serve Odium.

Dalinar spends the novel alternately recalling memories of the horrific things he did while under the influence of the Thrill and fighting its effects in real time. It becomes symbolic of the type of man he no longer wishes to be, and he works diligently to become a better man. His focus on Change and Personal Growth allows him to fight the Thrill’s influence when Odium uses it to try to coerce Dalinar into becoming his champion in their agreed-upon contest over Roshar. Dalinar’s struggle with the Thrill reflects his struggle as a man and as a leader.

Leadership

The motif of leadership supports the theme of Change and Personal Growth. This motif particularly affects Dalinar, but other characters around him learn how to become better leaders, as well. Dalinar wants to be an honorable leader but he obsesses over uniting the nations of Roshar. He finds that those two goals conflict in the world he must work within. His role, first as highprince of war (a title taken on in Words of Radiance) and then as the future highking of Urithiru (suggested by Elhokar), compels Dalinar to learn effective and inspiring leadership strategies as he goes. He makes mistakes along the way, but he learns to blend the skills he gained as the brutal Blackthorn with the more recent, honorable ideals he develops as a leader.

Taravangian secretly works against the Alethi, but not out of personal spite or a desire for glory; he does so because he believes his chosen path is the only way to ensure the salvation of his people. He truly believes in his words when he tells Dalinar: “‘We, Dalinar Kholin, are the sacrifices. Society offers us up to trudge through dirty water so others may be clean.’ He closed his eyes. ‘Someone has to fall, that others may stand’” (826). Dalinar, however, struggles to work against this model of leadership, hoping to become “a rallying point” for those struggling to adapt to a changing world (41). He acts as a foil to Dalinar’s plans and good intentions.

Dalinar’s journey and the rapid changes happening in the world inspire Elhokar to take his role as king more seriously. He admits to Dalinar, “Perhaps…perhaps I’m a fine king. Not extraordinary, but not an abject failure. But in the face of these events, the world needs better than fine” (140). Despite this pessimistic view of himself, he takes the opportunity to learn how to be better. He leads the mission to Kholinar during which he watches Dalinar and Kaladin and learns about leadership. Just before his death, Elhokar earns the chance to nearly swear the first Ideal as a Knight Radiant. Elhokar is the leader who comes the farthest in Oathbringer, earning redemption before he dies.