Robert Jordan's:The Wheel of Time discussion
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The Dragon Reborn
The Dragon Reborn Read Along Part II
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This isn't a direct answer to any of your questions, but I just have to say how infuriating I find the utter contempt with which novices are treated in the White Tower.
I know all about forced hierarchy, having both attended high school and articled in a law firm, but is it necessary to shame these poor girls by treating them like slaves? Jordan seems to be ramming home the point that this is required for their training, but I'm not sure it contributes anything to the story. But it DOES reinforce my mental image of a convent with a harsh Mother Superior.
I think Egwene and Nynaeve are in a tight spot. They're being punished for Liandrin's betrayal, and no matter what they do or refrain from doing, they will either be perceived as cut from her cloth or as willfully disobedient truants. Elayne, as the Daughter Heir of Andor, has an escape route. They do not.
I know all about forced hierarchy, having both attended high school and articled in a law firm, but is it necessary to shame these poor girls by treating them like slaves? Jordan seems to be ramming home the point that this is required for their training, but I'm not sure it contributes anything to the story. But it DOES reinforce my mental image of a convent with a harsh Mother Superior.
I think Egwene and Nynaeve are in a tight spot. They're being punished for Liandrin's betrayal, and no matter what they do or refrain from doing, they will either be perceived as cut from her cloth or as willfully disobedient truants. Elayne, as the Daughter Heir of Andor, has an escape route. They do not.
I also think we don't know the Amyrlin's true motives, and neither does her good friend Moiraine. Her sidekick Verin, being Brown, is not going to probe too deeply.
Jennifer wrote: "This isn't a direct answer to any of your questions, but I just have to say how infuriating I find the utter contempt with which novices are treated in the White Tower.I know all about forced hie..."
Yes, the harshness of punishments - not so much physical as psychological - speaks of unhealthy control issues. Absolute obedience to anything is not healthy. Sometimes I totally get why Nynaeve is fantasizing about bringing the white tower down.
Jennifer wrote: "I also think we don't know the Amyrlin's true motives, and neither does her good friend Moiraine. Her sidekick Verin, being Brown, is not going to probe too deeply."I really like Verin for her geeky science nature. I hope she turns out to be good/stays good.
I love Verin - particularly because I myself would choose the Brown Ajah. It seems to be a drama-free zone!
Nynaeve is playing a VERY dangerous game. Her irrational hatred of Moiraine is clouding her judgment. But I do believe she wants to do what is in Egwene's best interests and will protect her come what may.
Nynaeve is playing a VERY dangerous game. Her irrational hatred of Moiraine is clouding her judgment. But I do believe she wants to do what is in Egwene's best interests and will protect her come what may.
Susan wrote, "Yes, the harshness of punishments - not so much physical as psychological - speaks of unhealthy control issues. Absolute obedience to anything is not healthy. Sometimes I totally get why Nynaeve is fantasizing about bringing the white tower down."That is the one thing I have ever agreed with Nyneave on. If I see the end of the White Tower by the end of this series I think I will be happy. I think it is a terrible institution...(view spoiler)
Leah wrote: " Susan wrote, "Yes, the harshness of punishments - not so much physical as psychological - speaks of unhealthy control issues. Absolute obedience to anything is not healthy. Sometimes I totally get..."On this note, I think you will be pleased by what you find at the end of the series. This whole Dragon Reborn cataclysm thing forces not just people to change, but 'corporate' entities as well.
That's awesome. I am so looking forward to it. I am so close to finishing the books I was starting to really worry about how it would all end.
1) Perrin saw Hopper in his dreams right after Moiraine warned him to be cautious of them. What do you think it means that he saw Hopper? Should he be as paranoid about his dreams as Moiraine leads him to be?
2) Some kind of large, deadly dog was hunting Rand. What do you make of it and Rand's plans to go to Tear?
3) What do you think of Nynaeve and Egwene being asked to hunt the Black Ajah and the all-access passes the Amyrlin gave them? Do you think the Amyrlin is wise to trust them and Verin?
4) Who do you think sent the Gray Man and who was he aiming to kill? (Who stabbed him, for that matter?) Nynaeve seems to suspect Sheriam of something. Do you concur?
5) Elaida's visit to the Accepted's quarters was...interesting. What information do you think she was fishing for? Between the two, who would you more readily believe to be Black Ajah--Elaida or Sheriam?
6) Once again we find Mat plotting to "get away" from all Aes Sedai. Do you think he'll succeed this time?
7) Selene came to visit Mat and when he wasn't as submissive as she wanted, she started doing something to him that gave him a headache. What do you think it was?