62 pages 2 hours read

Brandon Sanderson

Tress of the Emerald Sea

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Themes

Identity and Change

Tress of the Emerald Sea reveals the impact of one’s surroundings and experiences on identity; identity is fluid, changing as one’s life changes. Both Tress and Charlie become different people through their journeys. Their fundamental values remain, but broader experiences allow them to learn about themselves and others more deeply, altering their paths. When Hoid introduces Tress and Charlie to the reader, they are both unassuming people. Tress washes windows, cares for her family, and collects cups from sailors passing through the Rock. Even her parents note that she never asks for anything—she never wants to impose, and she is content with her life on the Rock. Charlie, despite being the son of a cruel duke, is kind and loves telling stories. Neither of them wishes to be a hero.

The duke’s actions, however, change their situation. As Hoid (as narrator) explains, “Truth is, people are as fluid as time is. We adapt to our situation like water in a strangely shaped jug, though it might take us a little while to ooze into all the little nooks” (388). By sending Charlie to the Sorceress, the duke forces Charlie into a cursed life. Tress at first believes she is helpless in the situation, hopeless and continuing her life on the Rock.

Related Titles

By Brandon Sanderson

Study Guide

logo

Elantris

Brandon Sanderson

Elantris

Brandon Sanderson

Study Guide

logo

Mistborn

Brandon Sanderson

Mistborn: The Final Empire

Brandon Sanderson

Study Guide

logo

Oathbringer

Brandon Sanderson

Oathbringer

Brandon Sanderson

Study Guide

logo

Rhythm of War

Brandon Sanderson

Rhythm of War

Brandon Sanderson

Study Guide

logo

Shadows of Self

Brandon Sanderson

Shadows of Self

Brandon Sanderson

Study Guide

logo

Skyward

Brandon Sanderson

Skyward

Brandon Sanderson

Study Guide

logo

Steelheart

Brandon Sanderson

Steelheart

Brandon Sanderson

Plot Summary

logo

The Rithmatist

Brandon Sanderson

The Rithmatist

Brandon Sanderson

Study Guide

logo

The Way of Kings

Brandon Sanderson

The Way of Kings

Brandon Sanderson

Plot Summary

logo

Words of Radiance

Brandon Sanderson

Words of Radiance

Brandon Sanderson

Study Guide

logo

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter

Brandon Sanderson

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter

Brandon Sanderson