Following are the discussion questions relating to the past week's reading (Chapters 16-25) provided by Grace:
1. During the past week there’s been a lot of speculation as to the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Now that we finally know the answer, does it change anyone’s opinions of the Lord Ruler?
It does make me wonder what changed him from a seemingly compassionate man to the tyrant he has become. I'm looking forward to finding the answer as the story continues. Could it be that he is not really the hero prophesied after all, giving substance to his doubts as expressed in the journal?
2. What did you think of Elend’s group of subversive nobles? Do you think that Kelsier is right to dismiss people who could be potential allies, or is this another case of his anti-nobility biases showing?
I believe Kelsier is right to be cautious. Elend's group of young noblemen have no practical knowledge of the skaas' life. It may be just a form of youthful rebellion against their privileged way of life. Even if they are sincere, it seems it would take a lot of work on the part of the crew to make them fully understand what they would be fighting for and against were they to join in overthrowing the government - work that Kelsier and the crew don't really have time for now that their plan has to be revised. However, I feel Elend is important to the story in some way which will be revealed eventually. I like the way Sanderson is very skillful in giving little snippets of information -- just enough to keep the reader interested and wanting to know more.
3. What’s your favorite part of the book so far?
I enjoyed Vin's experiences as she is introduced to court life and how she and Elend seem to be drawn to each other. Elend definitely has some role to play in the future. I also enjoy the revelation of the Keepers (Sazed in particular) and l want to learn more about them. I believe they also have an important role to play in the future.
4. Now that Kelsier’s plan has hit some major stumbling blocks, what do you think will happen next? Do you think he can still succeed in defeating the Lord Ruler?
That remains to be seen, but I don't think he will stop trying. There are probably more stumbling blocks to come, but I think he will stay confident and determined.
Thank you, Grace, for supplying the questions this week, and thanks to Carl for hosting the group read.
That is a good thought. He himself seemed to have some initial doubts about the prophecy and it is possible it was not meant to be him. And if it wasn't, then who?
ReplyDeleteI agree that Elend will play a crucial role as the story unfolds. I wonder if he will be a wedge between Kelsier and Vin or if he will end up being an ally of both or something all together different.
I really enjoyed the Keeper revelations that we got in this week's reading. They are proving to be a very fascinating culture and every time Sazed is "on screen" I find myself perking up and paying extra attention.
I'm at a loss to even hazard a guess as to how everything will turn out, but I do believe there is much more rough patches ahead for all.
Maybe the original prophecy is about Kelsier (or Vin) saving the world from the tyranny of the Lord Ruler - perhaps the Lord Ruler just thought the prophecy was about him and took control.
ReplyDeleteI think Elend has some sort of role - can't help wondering if all his book reading might pay off and he'll find a critical piece of lost information in one of the books that the Lord Ruler should have destroyed way back when.
Lynn :D
That's interesting -- I too don't believe the present Lord Ruler is the right one to fulfill the role. I think he interests me more than anyone else in the book.
DeleteGood thinking on the prophecy. If he found out after he took power, then he might blame the Terrismen for getting him into it. It would also explain the suppression of older texts/ideas once the Lord Ruler took power.
ReplyDeleteAnd we know that his prime supporter among the Terrisman philosophers, who worked at convincing the others that he was THE ONE, did turn against him. Why? Did he find out something that made him realize he had made the wrong choice in promoting him as the Hero? This book gets more and more exciting as we yearn to learn more.
ReplyDeleteKelsier does seem to have more plans that we don't even know about yet. All that "plots within plots" and "there's always one more secret" business, you know?
ReplyDeleteYou're so right. He is quite skilled in that respect.
DeleteHa, does anybody else who is reading this for the first time feel like they're going round in circles. Talk about clutching at straws - I've had some many different solutions/reasons/plots, etc. I can't believe it. Well done to Sanderson for knowing how to provoke a real intrigue.
DeleteLynn
It's fun though, isn't it? Hopefully, by the end of the book we can make hay out of all those straws at which we've been clutching!
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