servants

[Emeralis00 she/her]

has anyone ever noticed that the servant class is the most dangerous element of any of the books?

Elantris- it was the servants that started killing Elantrians during the Reod.

Warbreaker- the Pahn Kahl

Mistborn- Skaa

Way of Kings- Parshmen (in theory, both because of Sanderson's other books and the possibility that Parshmen and Parshendi are related.)

[leinton]

That's how revolutions usually work. Either the middle or the lower class rise up against the upper class.

[Emeralis00 she/her]

yes, but that happens in all of the books.

I was just wondering if I was just seeing shadows or that it was all purposeful.

[Andrew the Great he/him]

My guess is that it's coincidental, based on the fact that in order to revolt, one usually has to have a reason to revolt. The people who are on top in the hierarchy usually don't have much motivation to change things.

[Eerongal he/him]

My guess is that it's coincidental, based on the fact that in order to revolt, one usually has to have a reason to revolt. The people who are on top in the hierarchy usually don't have much motivation to change things.

pfft. Boredom can be a pretty good motivator.

1: "Man....there is NOTHING to do...."

2: "You hungry?"

1: "Hmmm...ermm...naah. not really."

2: "Well, i'm gonna grab some cookies or something to snack on."

1: "Hey, just a thought, but wanna over throw the government?"

2: "Hhhmmmmm......can it wait till im done with my cookies?"

[leinton]

I think it helps that when the lower class revolts, it usually involves a change in government, should they succeed. When the upper class revolts, the government usually doesn't change, power just shifts from one person to the next. Not as intriguing of a story.

[Earendil]

Starting from a position of power also doesn't lend itself well to "stand up and cheer" moments.  When Josiah finds the scriptures and brings the kingdom of Judah back to the Lord, it makes a nice lesson.  When Gideon takes 200 men to take on the combined might of all of Israel's enemies, you stand up and cheer, because he shouldn't be able to win.  We cheer for the little guy, because we've all been the little guy.