Gender

Readers must understand the gender roles and differences in Roshar in order to see how the characters are breaking them. Bridge Four and Renarin are both examples of defying gender expectations for the good of themselves and their companions.

Renarin is an example of bridging the gap between genders. It is made clear early in the novel that there are many things that only women do in Alethkar. Reading, writing, and being a scholar are three gender-specific roles, while the men are expected to run the kingdom and deal with any wars. Readers see this distinction when Dalinar goes to Azimir and relies on essays and letters written by Navani, Jasnah, and Queen Fen in order to get their attention. Renarin, on the other hand, seems most interested in learning to read and write. It is clear that he feels he belongs with the women over...