Small, random questions about RotE that still bother you (spoilers all RotE books)

[Farseer]

Besides what I had to say on posts #4 and #18, though there could be one or two I've missed, I have to admit to being stumped as to how to explain it , sorry Mervi.

I think Chivalry was broken in more ways than one, and all that in spite of (or even possibly some if it is actually due to) his supposedly 'perfectionist' nature. In fact, the more I think on Chivalry, the more I understand, like and respect him. In his being "broken", I tend to think of him as being mostly "defeated" in many different ways though there are other aspects of the term that could just as easily apply to him also. I can't think of a character within RotE who has appeared to be so totally defeated or broken as Chivalry, or who has appeared to fall as far. While many others seem to have dealt with some truly terrifying and violent experiences eg Serilla, Wintrow, Althea, they have been able to rise above these and have even gone on to experience greater success and fulfillment. For all of the position, expectation, finding and demanding a true love partner etc, Chivalry was unable to do that. He was repeatedly dealt with...defeated...broken. In the end, due to his murder, he was completely defeated and broken.

In saying that, if it were not for his actions, the Catalyst would never have existed and the changes required by Changer never made...in this, in my opinion, Chivalry achieved the ultimate success but, like Fitz and the actions he performs daily, such a simple deed as that will go mostly unnoticed in the whole scheme of things. In all else though he failed or was broken...at least, that is how it is perceived by Buck society, his family etc.

Still, I have been thinking about it (dare I say too much, and that is likely my problem with my mind in such a tangle over it all!), and will return here for elaboration when/if a brighter lightbulb appears!