Read the previous entry in the series here.
Read the next entry in the series here.

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Following a journal entry that references Fitz’s first encounters with Chade, Verity, and Burrich, and his recognition of the Fool as more than he seemed, “The Tutor” begins with Fitz’s recognition of FitzVigilant’s arrival amid the commotion surrounding the renovation of Withywoods. Fitz assesses the new scribe as the latter formally presents himself, and he issues directives concerning Lant’s billeting. He also assigns the new scribe the task of teaching the youth of the estate, which is accepted after a moment’s hesitation.

While Lant is seen to, Fitz rifles through his belongings. While he finds no evidence of assassin’s craft, he is surprised at the effete nature of Lant’s belongings and, pleasantly, at the quality of teaching materials he has brought with him. Fitz reconsiders his expectations of Lant, returns things to their previous arrangement, and makes to confer with Bee about him.

I note in the present chapter something of a reiteration of Hobb’s disdain for men indulging in finery. I’ve noted it here, here, and here, among others, particularly in the context of reinforcing stereotypes about homosexuality; I recall, also, that Regal is repeatedly described as attending closely to sartorial matters, far more than the “good” characters in the texts are apt to do (with the exception of the Fool, but the Fool frustrates a lot of analysis). I’ve seen others comment on it before, and I both acknowledge that the idea is not of my own devising and apologize that I did not take the appropriate notes to be able to reference it later when I encountered it before. But that I am not taking credit for the idea does not mean I am not able to point out when it seems to me to be reinforced once again, and that reinforcement remains a point of vexation for me with regards to Hobb’s writing. There is so much in it that is so very well done, and to see this thing that does seem reductivist and stereotypical being employed yet again…chafes. (Too, while I know that biographical criticism is fraught, and it is inappropriate to ascribe to the author the views or perspectives espoused by any one character, it does become more of a question when such a view is evinced among many characters across a milieu and cultures within it, as is the case with the present subject.)

I find the presentation particularly odd in the present chapter, focused as it is on a scribe. Hobb places substantial importance on writing in her works, for reasons that are entirely understandable (as I’ve suggested before); it’s only sensible that a writer would espouse the value of writing. The juxtaposition of a character in a profession that the milieu typically values and an overriding trope of disdain seems…odd to my reading. I’m not sure what to make of it at this point; I suppose this will be yet another of the many, many things I’ll address in my scholarly someday…

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