The Wise Man's Fear

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Download PDF

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 17

Chapters 18-47

Chapters 48-65

Chapters 66-92

Chapters 93-108

Chapters 109-129

Chapter 130-Epilogue

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Beta

Discussion Questions

Symbols & Motifs

The Lute

Kvothe’s lute is the essence of his identity as a musician and a necessary tool for his survival. His lute grants him access to the Eolian stage, where he makes money performing, and ensures his room and board as Anker’s residential musician. However, his lute is also his only surviving tie to his family, as he learned music and performance from them before their violent deaths. Kvothe’s love for music and story is peppered throughout the text, and it is his musical capabilities that link him to Alveron and ensure his fortune. The three times that Kvothe is without his lute are times of significant struggle and emotional harm. First, when Denna inadvertently steals it, he enters a depressive episode that is only alleviated upon its return, which also signifies an improvement to his circumstances. When he is with the Adem, his lute is frowned upon, forcing him to hide a key part of himself. In the frame narrative, Kvothe lives a life without music, emphasizing silence over noise.

Naming the Wind

When Kvothe leaves the University, he is told to “chase the wind” because the name of the wind is one of the more accessible names he can learn. Kvothe successfully names the wind several times throughout his journey, once while attempting to fend off Felurian and again when proving himself among the Adem. Successfully naming the wind shows his growth since the first book in the series. Before, he only named the wind accidentally, causing harm in doing so. His continued education allows him to not only name the wind, but to do so in ways that are mediative and protective. This shows his growth as a character and his enhanced control over his powers and emotions.

Blood

Literal and metaphoric blood both play important roles in the novel. Blood as a substance poses a threat to Kvothe as he becomes the victim of malfeasance. He first bleeds when attempting to find Denna’s ring, but the act results in him becoming a puppet for Ambrose’s cruelties. His own body is turned against him, showing both the power of sympathy in this world and how limited he is in keeping himself safe without help. Blood also refers to familial relationships. Kvothe begins the novel keeping his heritage a secret as he attempts to navigate new social scenarios. However, his eventual mediation and ascension to new confidence leads him to assert his Ruh heritage at significant detriment. This emphasizes his familial pride and his attempts to reclaim his family history.