Rothfussians discussion

Did anyone else ever consider how odd it is that Chronicler and Bast never discuss the story when Kvothe takes breaks in his narration?

I'd expect a few, "Damn, King Jakis sure was a horses ass when he was a kid" or "Wow, you really got with Felurian, I always figured that was b.s."

Of course, the reason is PR doesn't want to give anything away, which is fair enough. But if I were the Chronicler, I would totally be discussing events from the real story compared to the versions of the legends I'd heard.

edit: Not claiming Jakis really was the king, just an example.

I have actually wondered the same thing. I bet in reality of the book those conversations take place. They would have to. It's impossible to hear a story and not have sort of discussion afterwards. But I agree that PR doesn't want to give anything away.
I would love to hear what is said when Kote leaves the room though.

I've often thought about this. I feel as though I have a foot up on bast, since I can revisit the story...damn his fae brain for being able to take in all that detail with no questions. lol!
chronicler can always revisit the stories...
but since I want all my friends to read KKC, I imagine its hard for bast and chronicler to keep it to themselves, lol

Kvothe wouldn't suffer interruptions I imagine. It does happen a little bit, talking about the Cthaeh, why is this sword different than the other etc.

Most of the breaks happen by something intervening, someone attacking, people coming in etc. Not much time to talk.

The OP doesn't strike me odd at all.

My first frame of reference for this is when I was in grade school (the 4rth grade, actually), listening to a teacher during "story time." She read "Flight of the Doves" to us, and that took place every Friday, for a few weeks. Each session couldn't have been for more than an hour or so, but each week we sat in rapture, and did not talk much about the book in between sessions.

My second frame of reference is that a friend recently started a Pathfinder campaign (it's like Dungeons and Dragons). We play for maybe 6 hours at a time, often more, and I imagine it's a similar type setting to narrative frame of the book. In fact, telling Kvothe's story would be like three back-to-back days of gaming. We tend not to discuss the game outside of the narrative context, in large part because (1) we've been at it for a while, and there's other stuff to get to, (2) we want to let the Game Master tell his story in his own style, at his own pace, (3) most of the thinking we have yet to do is solitary--we reflect on the events of the day.

I think Rothfuss includes enough interruptions such that (1) they're not an impediment to the story, (2) they're important, memorable, and noted, (3)they remind us about the context in which the story is being told.

@ "Glaring weakness of using the narrative frame":

Weakness, or trade off? I think that the framing device adds to the story in important ways, not least of which is the "meta" nature in which the audience approaches the book. It's what encourages readers to approach the plot points of the book out of order, and what makes the novels infinitely re-readable. Just look at all the clues and details that people on this forum have been able to deduce and gather.

I think whether one sees a 'glaring weakness' or not depends on what they're looking for. I think the book is best enjoyed when, instead of pointing out how unrealistically long the days in that world must be, or how there are the wrong number of days in a week, readers see those as new mysteries to uncover about that fantastical world. (note: I use those two examples because I know there are already awesome threads on those topics)

Hey Sanjiv! Glad to see you!

Anyway - I was thinking along the same lines as Chris. Chronicler and Bast do pepper him with some questions. Outside of the examples that Chris gave, Kvothe's trial for breaking Ambrose' arm is a prime example of why they probably wouldn't keep interjecting questions and speculation. Kote get's pretty annoyed when he tries to skip over that part and Chronicler asks questions about it. If I remember correctly Kote almost quit telling the story altogether.

I think that really turned them off to asking questions until Ctheah came up, which Bast just could not let go. I do believe it's part of Kote's character developement, plus, he wants to tell the story his way, not answers questions from Chronicler. Kote's in the position that he's doing Chronicler a favor pretty much, so I can see why he (chronicler) wouldn't push to much speculation on him. (Kote)

Chris wrote: "Kvothe wouldn't suffer interruptions I imagine."
Yup. I think it's Kvothe's rule, since they have only three days.