The Narrow Road Between Desires

The penance piece that Rike gives to Bast serves as a motif of The Tension Between Freedom and Obligation. How does this motif advance the theme, Rike’s characterization, and the author’s world building?

In this novella, Rothfuss introduces the concept of embrils, which are objects used in fortune-telling. As symbols of fate, how do embrils contribute to the story’s character development, structure, and tone? How does Bast’s attitude toward fate shift over the course of the story, and what causes this change?

In what ways is Bast shaped by the tension between freedom and obligation? Which relationships and other factors bind him? To what extent does he find liberty by the end of the story? What point is the author making about freedom and obligation?

Select two of the children from the novella. Compare and contrast their personality traits and discuss their contributions to the theme of The Beauty of Childhood Innocence. Cite specific evidence from the text to support your response.

How does the lightning tree’s significance as a symbol of desire inform the meaning of key scenes? What does this symbol reveal about the novella’s characters and, more broadly, the nature of desire?

While the Kingkiller Chronicle novels explore the world of Temerant, this story takes place entirely in the town of Newarre. How does this setting impact the fantasy novella’s scope, mood, and cast of characters?

Throughout the novella, Rothfuss frequently employs similes. How does he utilize this literary technique to develop the story’s mood and characters? Provide specific examples from the text to support your argument.

How do Bast’s actions and relationships illuminate The Influence of Perception on Identity? How does the protagonist seek to control how other characters perceive him, and how does he reshape the way that Rike perceives himself?