Here are some I've picked up on during my re-read, please post any you come across and we can discuss!
Reading the passages leading up to Lena's rape, when you know what's about to happen, you find them full of dark little hints and suggestions. Donaldson makes sure to mention Lena's beauty in a way that's not only lovely but sexual, showing us her breasts pushing against the cloth of her dress and her movements as she walks. We see Covenant's stirring desire for her, but it's not until they cross the river- which, by the way, Donaldson describes as "a kind of threshold- crises lurked in the dark hills beyond the far riverbank" - not until then that we see Covenant's desire veering towards possessiveness and violation. And this passage illustrates that with a disturbing beauty. Lena being caressed by the moonlight, offering herself willingly to that caress, I think symbolises her sexuality as a natural part of her to be offered gladly if she sees fit, and Covenant observing this jealously, wanting to take it from her and make it his. [shudder] This first half of LFB is, of course, Covenant at his most vile.Lord Foul's Bane wrote:As the full moon arose from the mountains, it caught Lena, cast a white haze like a caress across her head and shoulders. Standing still by the river, she held her head up to the moon, and Covenant watched her with an odd grim jealousy, as if she stood on a precipice which belonged to him
LOTS of stuff in this little exchange. Firstly, the whole situation was caused by Elena throwing a minor temper tantrum with the Staff of Law. Almost since we're first introduced to her we can observe there's something unstable and reckless about her. The image of something as powerful as the Staff being used in place of stamping a foot is a pretty clear foreshadowing of how Elena's passion and power outweigh her maturity and insight.The Illearth War wrote:"Give me fair warning next time," Covenant muttered, "so I can sit down."
The High Lord broke into clear laughter, then subdued herself abruptly. "Your pardon again, Thomas Covenant. But your expression is so fierce and foolish."
"Forget it," he replied. He found he liked the sound of her laugh. "Ridicule may be the only answer."
"Is that a proverb from your world? Or are you a prophet?"
"A little of both."
The there's the intriguing jibe "ridicule may be the only answer." Of course, it does turn out to be the answer- Lord Foul is browbeaten with the wild magic, yes, but ultimately he is laughed to death- laughed to death by pure, clear laughter without malice. Such as Elena's laugh here. Elena's shade even takes part.
Then we have one of the many times Covenant is alluded to as a prophet. Later in this very chapter the Unfettered One tells him that he "dreams the truth."
This is our first glimpse into the Eye of the Paradox, the eventual resolution of Covenant's dilemma, and the key to the wild magic. Very interesting that it's Bannor and Foamfollower presented to us as the opposing poles Covenant must pass between.The Power that Preserves wrote:Foamfollower had regained his composure. His teeth flashed through his stiff wet beard as if he were eager to be on his way- as if he were ready to fight his way through a sea of foes for one chance to strike a blow at the Despiser. And Bannor stood dourly at the Giant's side. They were equals, despite the difference in size. For an odd moment Covenant felt torn between them, as if they represented the opposing poles of his dilemma.
But odder than this torn feeling was the confidence that came with it. In that fleeting moment, he seemed to recognise where he stood for the first time.
