Chapter 23
I'm sorry, today it's all spoilers:
After her recent encounter with Dockson's view of the noblemen (which I failed to mention), Vin decided to confront Elend about his views on the skaa. It was a risky move, and I can't help but wonder if it will come back to bite her later. True, we found out that Elend is amiable toward the idea of equality, but I'm inclined to agree more with Kelsier-- noblemen talking and picking alliances for when they come to power seems more reasonable than a group who actually want to change things. Not to mention the vast coincidence to have the latter occurring alongside a skaa rebellion.
While I did not find Vin's confrontation a wise choice, it was certainly a believable one. When she burst out crying, I was momentarily concerned that the upcoming scene would feel forced, but it did not. In fact, the nonsense of it (like Vin just blurting out her question) made it more real for me. It felt true to her growing character and true to the emotionalism of some young women I have known.
But back to Elend's little group. From a storytelling standpoint, I think they serve an excellent purpose. In any debate, there are always at least two sides. Here we have the nobility and the skaa. It makes sense to have the skaa wishing to rebel and the nobility against that idea, but adding a group of nobility that may actually support a skaa uprising-- even if just in concept and theory-- adds a new and very real dynamic to the situation. Battle lines are not always so clear and straightforward. Brandon also has some skaa who oppose the rebellion, though they do so through inaction rather than actively blocking it.
The takeaway, I think, is to remember that not everyone who's on a particular side of an issue will necessarily agree with it. And adding some who are different will add realism and depth that wouldn't otherwise be there.
More tomorrow. Happy reading.
Jameson
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