1986 — Orson Scott Card — Ender’s Game
Chapter 1: — Third
by Game, Ender’sThe chapter opens with a cryptic conversation between unidentified figures discussing a child, Andrew “Ender” Wiggin, who is deemed “the one” despite doubts about his malleability. They argue that his willingness to submit to others could be countered by surrounding him with enemies, hinting at a larger conflict with an alien species referred to as “buggers.” The dialogue suggests Ender is part of a high-stakes experiment to save humanity, with his monitor—a device tracking his potential—being a key factor in their decision to select him.
Ender’s monitor is removed in a painful and traumatic procedure, leaving him disoriented and physically weakened. The doctor’s nervous reaction underscores the risks involved, as the removal could have caused permanent damage. Ender reflects on the monitor’s absence, hoping it will normalize his relationship with his hostile older brother, Peter, though he doubts Peter will ever stop tormenting him. The removal marks the end of his status as a monitored child, leaving him vulnerable but also free from constant scrutiny.
Back in school, Ender struggles with the lingering effects of the procedure and the odd sensation of missing his monitor. His classmates notice its absence, and one taunts him, but Ender remains composed. He distracts himself by doodling and manipulating his desk’s display, showcasing his intelligence and creativity. A message labeled “THIRD” appears on his desk, a taunt referencing his status as a third child in a society that typically restricts families to two, but Ender takes pride in his uniqueness despite societal disapproval.
The chapter closes with Ender preparing to leave school, still grappling with the physical and emotional aftermath of the monitor’s removal. His teacher expresses concern, but Ender reassures her, demonstrating his resilience. The scene hints at his isolation and the challenges ahead, as he navigates a world where he is both exceptional and marginalized. The chapter sets the stage for Ender’s journey, blending personal struggle with the looming threat of an interstellar war.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the monitor being removed from Ender’s neck, and how does he react to its removal?
Answer:
The monitor’s removal signifies the end of Ender’s special status as a candidate for the Battle School and a return to being a “normal” child. Ender initially feels relief, imagining freedom from discomfort and his brother Peter’s resentment. However, he also experiences disorientation, as described by the doctor—a sense of something missing. Physically, the removal is traumatic, causing severe pain and muscle spasms, highlighting the invasive nature of the device. Emotionally, Ender grapples with mixed feelings: hope for reconciliation with Peter and awareness that his brother’s cruelty may persist. The chapter underscores the monitor’s psychological and physical impact on Ender’s identity.2. Analyze the conversation at the chapter’s opening. What does it reveal about the authorities’ views of Ender and their methods?
Answer:
The dialogue reveals that the authorities see Ender as a flawed but necessary tool in their war against the “buggers.” They acknowledge his malleability and willingness to submit to others’ wills as weaknesses, yet they believe these traits can be manipulated by surrounding him with enemies. The cold, pragmatic tone (“We’re saving the world, after all”) shows their willingness to sacrifice Ender’s well-being for their goals. The mention of his siblings’ failures (“the brother tested out impossible”) adds pressure on Ender, framing him as a last resort. This conversation establishes the moral ambiguity of the adults’ actions and the ruthless logic driving Ender’s recruitment.3. How does Ender’s relationship with Peter shape his expectations and fears after the monitor’s removal?
Answer:
Ender hopes the monitor’s removal will reduce Peter’s hostility, imagining a détente where they coexist as neutral brothers. However, he realistically doubts this outcome, recalling Peter’s “mad moods” and threats (“you little bastard, you little Third”). Peter’s abuse has taught Ender to anticipate cruelty, even in mundane interactions like turning piano pages. This dynamic reveals Ender’s internal conflict: yearning for normalcy but bracing for continued torment. The chapter paints Peter as a looming threat, ensuring Ender’s relief is tempered with anxiety, which foreshadows their fraught relationship and Ender’s isolation.4. What literary techniques does the author use to convey the physical and emotional trauma of the monitor’s removal?
Answer:
The author employs vivid sensory details (the needle’s pain “from his neck to his groin,” spasms, and the “burning” injection) to immerse readers in Ender’s physical suffering. Dialogue contrasts the doctor’s clinical explanations with Ender’s silent endurance, emphasizing his vulnerability. The disjointed narrative during the procedure mirrors Ender’s disorientation, while the doctor’s trembling voice underscores the danger. Later, Ender’s forgetfulness (“I can’t think what I was looking for”) and the classroom’s mundane backdrop heighten the emotional dissonance. These techniques amplify the scene’s brutality and Ender’s resilience.5. Why does Ender’s status as a “Third” carry such stigma, and how does he cope with it?
Answer:
In this society, being a “Third” child violates population laws, marking Ender as an exception grudgingly allowed for the military’s experiment. The term is wielded as an insult (e.g., Peter’s sneering “you little Third”), reinforcing his outsider status. Ender copes by rationalizing that his birth was government-authorized and channeling pride into his intellect (e.g., creating desk messages). His doodles and mathematical prowess assert control, defying stereotypes. Yet, the marching word “THIRD” on his desk symbolizes how the label haunts him, blending achievement and alienation—a tension central to his character.
Quotes
1. “‘I’ve watched through his eyes, I’ve listened through his ears, and tell you he’s the one. Or at least as close as we’re going to get.’”
This opening dialogue establishes the high-stakes selection process for Ender, hinting at his unique role in a larger conflict. The military officials’ debate reveals the ruthless pragmatism of their world—they’re willing to manipulate Ender’s environment (“surround him with enemies”) to shape him into their weapon.
2. “‘Sometimes lies were more dependable than the truth.’”
Ender’s reflection after the monitor removal scene shows his precocious understanding of adult deception. This insight encapsulates his worldview—he already distrusts authority figures and recognizes that surface kindness often masks painful realities, a theme that recurs throughout his story.
3. “‘We could have unplugged his brain for all time.’”
The doctor’s horrified realization after the traumatic monitor removal underscores the physical and psychological dangers of the monitoring technology. This moment reveals how casually the system risks children’s lives, emphasizing the brutal calculus of their training program.
4. “‘It was not his fault he was a Third. It was the government’s idea… Didn’t work, so erase the experiment.’”
Ender’s internal monologue about his “Third” status captures the central tension of his identity—he’s both extraordinary and disposable. This quote introduces the novel’s exploration of institutional control over individual lives, showing how Ender internalizes society’s conditional acceptance of him.