Essay Questions

Show how Patrick Rothfuss employs storytelling in The Name of the Wind.

Rothfuss employs the technique of storytelling to present Kvothe’s life story as a story within a story. Being an infamous tavern-owner, Kvothe tells his story from how it begins to how it ends so that it can be recorded down. Because the writer employs this style technique, that is, story within a story to bring out these events, the possibility of errors or omissions and exaggerations like in any story told by word of mouth are bound to exist. Becomes this story within the larger story forms a greater part of the novel, storytelling is brought out.

Show how persistence is brought out in The Name of the Wind.

Throughout the work, the writer makes a great emphasis on the persistence that Kvothe shows throughout his life. Kvothe is not only a survivor but also is driven by a need to be accomplished in life. Despite the horrific childhood that the character has, he does not let this limit his ability to succeed. He puts extra effort into his work and as such manages to go to the university. In this way, the writer makes particular emphasis on the importance of persistence.

Show how the distinct social classes are presented in The Name of the Wind.

Kvothe is faced with the distinct differences between the rich and the poor particularly while in Tarbean City. In Waterside, Kvothe notices that it is the part that is inhabited by the poor and impoverished. Waterside is one of those places where stealing is the only skill needed for survival. However, when he comes to Hillside, the streets are not only clean but also well ordered. Because of his ragged look, he is unwelcome and as such is escorted out as would have been any other person of his kind. In this way, the distinct social classes are brought out.