1986 — Orson Scott Card — Ender’s Game
Chapter 2: — Peter
by Game, Ender’sThe chapter opens with a conversation between two unidentified individuals discussing Ender Wiggin’s recent violent confrontation with a gang leader. They note his ruthlessness, comparing him to the legendary Mazer Rackham, and conclude that he has passed their evaluation. However, they express concern about how Ender will fare now that his monitoring device has been removed, particularly in interactions with his volatile older brother, Peter. The dialogue reveals a cold, calculated perspective, acknowledging their role in shaping Ender through manipulation and hardship, even if it means “screwing him up.”
Ender returns home to find his sister, Valentine, who sympathizes with him over the removal of his monitor. Peter, their older brother, enters and immediately reacts with anger upon noticing the bandage on Ender’s neck. Peter’s resentment toward Ender is palpable, as he belittles him for having the monitor longer than usual. The tension escalates when Peter suggests playing “buggers and astronauts,” a game that quickly turns abusive. Ender, forced to play the role of the bugger, endures physical and psychological torment, highlighting Peter’s cruelty and Ender’s helplessness in the situation.
Peter’s aggression intensifies as he threatens Ender’s life, implying he could kill him and pass it off as an accident. Valentine intervenes, warning Peter that she has taken precautions to expose him if anything happens to her or Ender. She challenges Peter’s intelligence and ambition, revealing her awareness of his political aspirations and leveraging it to protect Ender. The siblings’ dynamic underscores Peter’s manipulative nature and Valentine’s role as Ender’s protector, while Ender remains passive, internalizing the abuse.
The chapter concludes with Peter’s ominous warning that he will bide his time, waiting for the right moment to harm Ender when Valentine isn’t around. His threats are calculated, revealing a long-term plan to eliminate Ender without consequences. The exchange leaves a lingering sense of dread, emphasizing the toxic family dynamics and the constant danger Ender faces, even at home. The chapter sets the stage for future conflicts, illustrating the psychological warfare between the siblings and the precariousness of Ender’s safety.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the monitor being removed from Ender’s neck, and how does Peter react to this change?
Answer:
The monitor’s removal signifies that Ender is no longer under constant surveillance by the authorities, marking a transition in his life. Peter reacts with anger and resentment, as he sees Ender’s prolonged monitoring as special treatment. Peter’s hostility is evident when he says, “He almost made it, little bastard, little bugger,” highlighting his jealousy and desire to dominate Ender now that the monitor is gone. This moment sets the stage for Peter’s violent behavior, as he feels empowered to torment Ender without oversight.2. How does the game “buggers and astronauts” reflect the power dynamics between Peter and Ender?
Answer:
The game “buggers and astronauts” mirrors the abusive power dynamic between Peter and Ender. Peter forces Ender to play the bugger, a dehumanized and powerless role, while he takes the dominant position of the astronaut. The game is not about fun but about control, as Peter uses it to physically and psychologically torment Ender. Ender’s internal monologue reveals his awareness of the game’s cruelty: “The bugger was in it until the astronaut decided it was over.” This reflects the broader theme of manipulation and violence in their relationship.3. How does Valentine intervene in the conflict between Peter and Ender, and what does this reveal about her character?
Answer:
Valentine acts as Ender’s protector, using her wit and strategic thinking to defuse Peter’s aggression. She threatens Peter with political consequences, claiming she has a letter that would ruin his future ambitions if harm came to her or Ender. This reveals Valentine’s intelligence and resourcefulness, as she leverages Peter’s desire for power against him. Her intervention shows her deep care for Ender and her ability to stand up to Peter, even though she is younger and physically weaker.4. What does Peter’s threat—”there’ll be a terrible accident”—reveal about his long-term intentions and psychological state?
Answer:
Peter’s threat reveals his calculated cruelty and long-term desire to eliminate Ender. He plans to bide his time, making Valentine complacent until he can orchestrate an “accident.” This shows his manipulative nature and lack of empathy, as he coldly anticipates Ender’s death. His psychological state is marked by jealousy, a need for control, and a twisted sense of superiority. The threat also underscores the recurring theme of danger in Ender’s life, even within his own family.5. How does the chapter explore the theme of surveillance and its absence in Ender’s life?
Answer:
The chapter contrasts the constant surveillance of the monitor with its sudden absence, highlighting how Ender’s safety net is removed. The monitor previously protected him from Peter’s abuse, as it recorded his experiences and emotions. Without it, Ender is vulnerable, and Peter seizes the opportunity to torment him. This shift raises questions about the ethics of surveillance and its role in protecting (or controlling) individuals. The chapter suggests that the absence of oversight can unleash hidden dangers, particularly in abusive relationships.
Quotes
1. “You live inside somebody’s body for a few years, you get used to it. I look at his face now, I can’t tell what’s going on. I’m not used to seeing his facial expressions. I’m used to feeling them.”
This quote reveals the deep psychological connection between the speaker and Ender, highlighting how the removal of the monitoring device creates a disconnect. It underscores the theme of surveillance and intimacy in the story.
2. “Of course we are. It’s our job. We’re the wicked witch. We promise gingerbread, but we eat the little bastards alive.”
This chilling admission from a committee member exposes the ruthless pragmatism behind the Battle School’s selection process. It frames the institutional manipulation of children as a necessary evil in their war effort.
3. “Ender looked at Peter only to detect anger or boredom, the dangerous moods that almost always led to pain.”
This insight into Ender’s perspective establishes the abusive dynamic between the brothers and foreshadows the coming confrontation. It reveals Ender’s survival-focused mindset from childhood.
4. “They meant you to be human, little Third, but you’re really a bugger, and now it shows.”
Peter’s cruel taunt reflects both his jealousy and the story’s central theme of dehumanization in war. The “bugger” insult becomes a psychological weapon against Ender, linking him to humanity’s enemies.
5. “We’re all such wonderfully bright children. You’re not the smartest, Peter, just the biggest.”
Valentine’s cutting remark demonstrates the intellectual rivalry between the siblings and challenges Peter’s dominance. It reveals the family’s competitive dynamics and foreshadows Peter’s political ambitions.