Words of Radiance

As a Surgebinder, Kaladin’s ability to infuse himself with Stormlight means that his body automatically heals any wounds or ailments. Therefore, when he joins Bridge Four to have his enslavement brand tattooed over, his body pushes out the ink, leaving him unable to escape the brand. The brand becomes a motif reflecting the theme of Inequality Through Social Hierarchy, as Kaladin cannot fully erase his past as an abused darkeyed soldier: “Kaladin was left with the image of those glyphs melting away. Freedom dissolved, and underneath, the violent scars of his captivity. Dominated by a branded glyph” (59). Though Kaladin and his crew move up in society, going from enslaved bridge runners to bodyguards and soldiers, the dominant social hierarchy still exists. Dalinar’s favor helps them rise, but Kaladin is still uniquely sensitive to the injustices around them. His brand becomes a reminder to himself and others that the dominance and inequity of the lighteyes class are still pervasive and dangerous. Just as a new uniform and position cannot change Kaladin’s value in the social hierarchy, neither can a tattoo with the glyph “freedom” erase his past or topple an unjust system. Kaladin’s body rejects the tattoo meant to mark his freedom, reflecting Kaladin’s own anxiety that he and his friends will never truly be safe or free.