Review: Elantris – Part One: The Shadow of Elantris, Chapter 2
Introduction
Chapter 2 of Elantris continues the novel’s strong opening by shifting perspectives from Prince Raoden to Sarene, the princess of Teod. This chapter introduces a different narrative thread, emphasizing political intrigue, character dynamics, and worldbuilding beyond the cursed city of Elantris. While Raoden's storyline immerses the reader in the tragedy and mystery of Elantris, Sarene’s perspective broadens the scope of the novel, revealing the fragile political situation in Arelon and the precarious state of her arranged marriage.
Brandon Sanderson masterfully contrasts the bleak, decayed world of Elantris with the opulent yet unstable court of Arelon, reinforcing one of the novel’s key themes—the illusion of power. This chapter also serves as a crucial introduction to Sarene’s character, establishing her as a formidable figure whose wit, intelligence, and determination will shape the events to come.
Sarene: A Political Force in a Foreign Land
Sarene, the princess of Teod, arrives in Kae, the capital of Arelon, only to be met with shocking news—her betrothed, Prince Raoden, has died just before her arrival. However, due to the peculiarities of Arelon’s marriage customs, she is still considered legally married to him, despite never meeting him. This revelation immediately places her in a difficult position, both politically and personally.
From her very first appearance, Sarene distinguishes herself as a protagonist very different from Raoden. Where Raoden is calm, analytical, and diplomatic, Sarene is bold, sharp-witted, and unafraid to challenge authority. Her introduction establishes her as a woman who refuses to be sidelined, even in a kingdom where she is a foreigner with little official power. She quickly begins assessing the political landscape, making observations about King Iadon, Arelon’s unstable monarchy, and the men of the Arelene court, who underestimate her.
This chapter sets up Sarene as a political force, someone who is willing to challenge corruption and engage in the dangerous game of court intrigue. Her frustration at the sexism in Arelene society is palpable, as she notes the dismissive attitudes of the noblemen she meets. However, rather than being discouraged, she sees this as an opportunity—if the men in Arelon think little of her, they will be less prepared when she inevitably moves against them.
The Political Landscape of Arelon
Through Sarene’s perspective, Sanderson expands the reader’s understanding of Arelon’s fragile political system. King Iadon rules not by divine right, but by economic success—his authority depends entirely on his wealth, making his reign inherently unstable. This meritocratic monarchy is an unusual and precarious system, one that has created a ruling class obsessed with commerce and personal profit rather than governance.
Sarene immediately sees the flaws in Iadon’s rule. The nobles of Arelon are businessmen first and rulers second, and the kingdom lacks strong leadership. Despite her initial grief at Raoden’s supposed death, she quickly realizes that Arelon needs stability, and she is in a unique position to influence its future. Unlike Raoden, who had been the kingdom’s hope for reform, Sarene is an outsider with no official claim to power. Yet, her intelligence, political acumen, and refusal to be dismissed position her as a potential agent of change.
Sanderson’s handling of political intrigue is subtle yet effective. The court of Arelon is rife with opportunism, and Sarene recognizes that King Iadon is barely holding onto power. The tension between the nobility and the merchant-based government adds a layer of complexity to the story, as it becomes clear that Arelon is not just suffering from the shadow of Elantris but also from internal corruption and mismanagement.
A Contrast Between Despair and Determination
One of the most fascinating aspects of this chapter is how it contrasts with Raoden’s storyline in Elantris. In the previous chapter, Raoden awakens to find himself condemned to a city of the damned, surrounded by suffering and hopelessness. Meanwhile, Sarene arrives in Kae, a city that appears wealthy and thriving but is, in many ways, just as cursed as Elantris.
Elantris is physically decayed, a city where its inhabitants exist in eternal pain, abandoned and feared by the outside world. Kae, by contrast, is a city in political decay, where power is built on a weak foundation and where the ruling class is blind to its own instability. This thematic parallel reinforces one of the novel’s central ideas—that true ruin is not always visible, and that power, when built on weak foundations, is as fragile as a crumbling city.
While Raoden faces his new existence with quiet determination, Sarene approaches her own challenges with bold defiance. Both characters embody different aspects of leadership—Raoden is methodical and introspective, while Sarene is outspoken and strategic. This duality sets up an engaging dynamic between their respective storylines, making it clear that both will play critical roles in the fate of Arelon.
Narrative Style and Sanderson’s Prose
Sanderson’s writing remains clear and engaging, balancing exposition with character-driven storytelling. Despite the complexity of Arelon’s political system, Sanderson ensures that the reader is never overwhelmed with information. Instead, he seamlessly integrates worldbuilding into Sarene’s observations and interactions, making the political landscape feel organic rather than forced.
Sarene’s dialogue is particularly well-crafted, capturing her intelligence and quick wit. Whether she is making pointed remarks about Arelene gender norms or analyzing the kingdom’s unstable government, her voice is strong and distinct. Sanderson’s prose effectively conveys both her frustration and her resolve, making her an instantly compelling protagonist.
Another strength of this chapter is its pacing. While it is largely an introduction to Sarene’s role in the story, it never feels slow or unnecessary. Instead, it builds tension by establishing conflicts that will unfold throughout the novel—Sarene’s battle against sexism in Arelon, the instability of King Iadon’s rule, and the mystery surrounding Raoden’s fate.
Conclusion
Chapter 2 of Elantris is a masterful expansion of the novel’s scope, introducing Sarene as a compelling protagonist and deepening the reader’s understanding of Arelon’s political turmoil. Sanderson expertly contrasts the decayed city of Elantris with the illusion of stability in Kae, reinforcing the novel’s themes of power, perception, and resilience.
Sarene’s introduction adds a new layer of intrigue to the story. Her intelligence, political insight, and determination make her a formidable force in Arelon, even as she struggles with the loss of a fiancé she never met. Through her eyes, the reader gains insight into the kingdom’s flaws, setting the stage for the larger conflicts that will shape the narrative.
By balancing political intrigue with character development, Sanderson ensures that Chapter 2 remains just as engaging as the novel’s opening. As the story progresses, it is clear that Sarene and Raoden, though separated by the walls of Elantris, are both fighting battles that will determine the fate of Arelon itself. With its rich worldbuilding, strong protagonist, and underlying tension, this chapter solidifies Elantris as a fantasy novel that is as much about politics and leadership as it is about magic and mystery.
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