The women of Emond's Field are respected and hold equal social power with the men. Still, Rand, Mat, and Perrin have a rather chivalrous view of women in warfare. Rand is uneasy about the Maidens of the Spear defending him and dying in battles to protect him. Discuss this aspect of chivalry in the context of sexual equality.

Moiraine believes Rand should move against Illian in a war that she says will be short, with minimal casualties. Egwene is aghast that Moiraine suggest that Rand should start a war, but both Moiraine and Elayne tell her that sometimes leaders must start conflicts in order to avert more dire consequences. Is it morally permissible to instigate war if not doing so would bring great calamity? Is resorting to violence always immoral?

Rand's attitude toward Moiraine has gone from overawed, to reverential, and finally to guarded...