Chapter 17: UNITY

Spoiler Notice

This analysis contains spoilers for Chapter 17 of The Way of Kings. If you haven't yet read this chapter, proceed with caution.

Summary

King Elhokar, Highprinces Dalinar, Sadeas, and Vamah, along with Adolin and Renarin Kholin, ride out for a chasmfiend hunt on the Shattered Plains. Adolin, in his blue Shardplate, worries about his father's strange episodes during highstorms. Dalinar hears the words "Unite them" echoing in his mind. The king impulsively challenges Dalinar to a race up a rock spire; Dalinar deliberately loses, allowing Elhokar a moment of triumph and attracting gloryspren. From the top, Dalinar recalls his first vision and feels he must unite the Alethi highprinces by convincing them to leave the Plains. Adolin handles scout reports and chafes under insults from Sadeas's lighteyes. Dalinar explains to Adolin that the king needs the hunt to prove his courage and hints at his desire to withdraw from the war. The King's Wit, Hoid, arrives and teases Renarin before whispering to Dalinar that Renarin is stronger than he seems. At the hunt site, the bait chull breaks free just as an enormous chasmfiend climbs onto the viewing plateau, threatening everyone.

Key Events

  • The royal hunting party travels across the Shattered Plains.
  • Dalinar deliberately loses a climbing race to boost Elhokar's morale.
  • Dalinar recalls his vision and the command to "unite them."
  • Adolin assumes command of the troops and issues defensive scouting orders.
  • Lighteyes from Sadeas's camp mock Dalinar's perceived weakness.
  • Dalinar reveals to Adolin his plan to persuade the king to abandon the Plains.
  • Wit (Hoid) interacts with the Kholins, teasing Renarin and counseling Dalinar.
  • The chasmfiend unexpectedly appears on the viewing plateau, endangering the gathered attendants.

Character Development

Adolin Kholin: Protective of his father's reputation, Adolin bristles at insults but respects Dalinar's wisdom. He demonstrates tactical competence by ordering scouts to watch for ambushes from behind. His irritation over broken courtships reveals a lighter side, though he remains a loyal son and capable commander.

Dalinar Kholin: Haunted by visions and the mantra "Unite them," Dalinar is torn between duty and destiny. He shows fatherly concern for Elhokar by losing the race, and his resolve to leave the Plains marks a pivotal strategic shift. His Slate-grey Shardplate underscores his utilitarian view of war.

King Elhokar: Insecure yet desperate to appear bold, Elhokar craves validation. His paranoia about assassins contrasts with his reckless public stunts, illustrating a fragile grip on kingship.

Renarin Kholin: Quiet and often mocked, Renarin remains observant. Wit's whispered words to Dalinar hint at hidden resilience.

Highprince Sadeas: Antagonistic and envious of the Kholins' Shardblades, Sadeas uses veiled insults to undermine Dalinar while currying favor with the king.

Wit (Hoid): The King's Wit balances mockery with insight. His teasing of Renarin is lighthearted, and he alone seems to perceive Renarin's true strength.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Unity vs. Division: The recurring command "Unite them" highlights the fractured Alethi princedoms. Dalinar realizes the war has become a selfish game, and true unity requires more than a common enemy.
  • Leadership and Sacrifice: Dalinar surrenders personal glory for Elhokar's morale. His willingness to propose an unpopular withdrawal reflects the burden of visionary leadership.
  • Appearance vs. Reality: Elhokar's bravado masks his fear; Dalinar's apparent weakness conceals strategic depth; Adolin's carefree exterior hides his concern for his family.
  • The Chasmfiend as Threat: The beast's sudden appearance symbolizes the unpredictable dangers lurking beneath the surface of the war—both external and internal.
  • Gloryspren: These glowing orbs appear around Elhokar during his moment of triumph, visually representing his desperate need for recognition.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens the political intrigue and family dynamics that drive the novel. It reveals Dalinar's growing determination to change the course of the war, setting him on a collision course with the other highprinces. Adolin's loyalty and frustration are sharply drawn, and Renarin's quiet strength is foreshadowed. The cliffhanger—a chasmfiend attack on unprepared spectators—raises immediate stakes and demonstrates that even a royal hunt can turn deadly. It also reinforces the omnipresent danger of the Shattered Plains and primes readers for the action and betrayals to come.

Study Questions and Answers

  1. Why does Dalinar deliberately lose the climbing race to Elhokar? Dalinar recognizes that Elhokar needs a confidence boost. The king's insecurity about his leadership is palpable, and a small triumph helps strengthen his morale. Dalinar also intuits that winning the race matters less than supporting his nephew's fragile ego.

  2. What does Dalinar mean when he says he wants to persuade the king to leave the Shattered Plains? Dalinar believes the war has become a competition for gemhearts rather than a genuine pursuit of vengeance. He thinks returning to Alethkar to stabilize the kingdom and forge true unity is more important than continuing the siege, even if it means breaking the Vengeance Pact.

  3. How does Adolin's handling of the scout reports reveal his military acumen? Adolin goes beyond his father's standard orders by directing outriders to watch plateaus behind the party, anticipating a potential Parshendi flanking maneuver. This shows he is not just a skilled duelist but a strategic thinker capable of independent command.

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