Hello all. I finished the series an hour ago after starting it about 18 months ago (what an ending!!), and I have about a million thoughts and questions. However, five came to mind immediately. MAJOR SPOILERS are ahead, so read on at your own risk if you haven't finished the series.
1. Very near the end, when Roland Deschain tells Patrick Danville to draw the Crimson King, Patrick says it will be difficult because, "He darkles, he tincts." Roland seems to slightly recall this phrase from earlier on, but doesn't have the time to consider it. I can't remember it at all, so when was it first said, and what does it mean?
2. After Oy's death, Roland remembers seeing an image of the scene of his death when looking into Maerlyn's Grapefruit, part of the Wizard's Rainbow. I somewhat remember this, but would like to read it again to refresh my memory. I thought it was in Wizard and Glass, but couldn't find it. Which book was it in and where?
3. So at the very end we basically learn that the story repeats itself. At the very beginning of The Gunslinger, the first book, are there any signs that Roland has just reached the Tower and the whole tale started over at that exact moment?
4. Do you think it's possible that instead of the entire story repeating itself, the seven books were all just Roland's dream, and the real quest is about to begin at the very end? I really hope this isn't the case.
5. What are your thoughts on the ending? I can't say I like what happened (the repitition of everything is more than a little depressing to think about), but at the same time I thought it was a very entertaining and unique way to wrap it up. I thought it was very well done by Stephen King, just like the whole series.
Thank you!