Legend (Legend #1)
Chapter 10: Part One: June 5
by Marie, Lu,The chapter opens with a tense exchange between the protagonist and Thomas, her brother’s successor, as they observe Commander Jameson interrogating a captured spy from the Colonies. The protagonist insists on going undercover alone, arguing she’ll appear less suspicious, while Thomas reluctantly agrees. The scene highlights the brutal methods of the Republic’s interrogation, with the spy hanging upside down and enduring physical torture. The protagonist’s disdain for the Colonies is evident, as she dismisses their propaganda and views their spies as cowards. Her internal monologue reveals her grief over her brother Metias’s death, adding a personal layer to her hardened demeanor.
The interrogation intensifies as Commander Jameson and Thomas employ violent tactics to extract information from the spy, Emerson Graham. The protagonist analyzes the spy’s attire, noting the flaws that betrayed him, and watches as Thomas shifts from his usual kindness to a ruthless enforcer. The spy defiantly condemns the Republic, claiming it will collapse, but his words only provoke more violence. The protagonist forces herself to witness the brutality, though the spy’s resemblance to her brother unsettles her. The scene underscores the Republic’s merciless approach to dissent and the protagonist’s struggle to reconcile her emotions with her duty.
After the interrogation, Thomas escorts the protagonist home, offering reassurance and a kiss on the cheek. Despite his concern, she remains determined to proceed with her mission. Alone in her apartment, she reflects on her grief, surrounded by mementos of Metias—photos, journals, and keepsakes. Her dog, Ollie, senses the absence, mirroring her sorrow. The protagonist searches through her brother’s belongings, hinting at an unresolved mystery he wanted to share with her. This quiet moment contrasts sharply with the earlier violence, emphasizing her vulnerability beneath her stoic exterior.
The chapter blends action and introspection, revealing the protagonist’s internal conflict between loyalty to the Republic and personal loss. The interrogation scene showcases the regime’s brutality, while the protagonist’s interactions with Thomas and her solitary mourning humanize her. The juxtaposition of violence and tenderness underscores the oppressive world she navigates, setting the stage for her undercover mission and the deeper secrets surrounding Metias’s death.
FAQs
1. How does the protagonist’s relationship with Thomas reflect their shared history with Metias?
Answer:
The protagonist’s interactions with Thomas reveal a complex blend of professional tension and personal history. Thomas, now occupying Metias’s former position, exhibits protective behavior reminiscent of her brother (“His words could have come right out of Metias’s mouth”). Their brief shared smile suggests nostalgia for when she “used to tag along after him and Metias.” However, Thomas’s authority over her mission creates friction, highlighting how Metias’s death has reshaped their dynamic from mentorship to strained colleagues with unresolved grief.2. Analyze Commander Jameson’s interrogation tactics. What do they reveal about the Republic’s values?
Answer:
Commander Jameson employs psychological and physical torture, threatening the spy’s hometown and authorizing Thomas’s violence. Her methods emphasize the Republic’s prioritization of control over human rights, using fear as a tool (“He’ll start cooperating if he knows what’s good for him”). The focus on extracting information rather than fair trial underscores a militaristic ideology that justifies brutality against perceived enemies. The scene also reveals systemic indoctrination, as the protagonist rationalizes the torture as necessary training despite her discomfort.3. How does the protagonist’s observation of the spy’s clothing demonstrate her analytical skills? What flaw did she identify?
Answer:
The protagonist notices telling details: brass buttons, military boots, and a blue pin—standard Republic disguise. Her sharp eye identifies a Colonies-made button (“slightly flatter than those made in the Republic”), exposing the spy’s origin. This showcases her tactical training in identifying inconsistencies, a skill critical for her upcoming undercover mission. The analysis also reinforces the Colonies’ logistical challenges (reusing old uniform parts) and the high stakes of such oversights in their conflict.4. Contrast the protagonist’s internal conflict with her external actions during the interrogation scene.
Answer:
Internally, she struggles with the spy’s resemblance to Metias (“his youth reminds me of Metias over and over again”), revealing unresolved trauma. Yet externally, she maintains professionalism, studying the interrogation as a learning opportunity (“I need to familiarize myself with this”). This dichotomy illustrates her compartmentalization—using analytical detachment (noting clothing details) to suppress emotional vulnerability. Her final thought (“Metias can’t be tortured. He is already dead”) underscores how grief fuels her hardened exterior.5. What ideological differences between the Republic and Colonies are revealed through the spy’s dialogue?
Answer:
The spy condemns the Republic’s brutality (“You kill your own people”), framing the Colonies as liberators, while the protagonist dismisses this as propaganda. His claim that the Republic “won’t last another decade” reflects the Colonies’ expansionist agenda, countered by her belief in Republic sovereignty (“We’ll defeat them first or die trying”). The argument over land (“floods have claimed much more of their land”) reveals resource-driven motives, with both sides dehumanizing the other to justify conflict.
Quotes
1. “I SHOULD BE THE ONE GOING OUT THERE. NOT YOU.”
This opening line captures the tension between the protagonist and Thomas, highlighting their conflicting perspectives on risk and duty. It establishes the power dynamics and protective instincts that shape their relationship throughout the chapter.
2. “I’m slowly growing used to talking about Metias in past tense.”
This poignant reflection reveals the protagonist’s ongoing grief for her brother while demonstrating how she compartmentalizes emotions to function in her military role. It underscores the personal stakes beneath the political conflict.
3. “Your Republic won’t last another decade. And all the better, too—once the Colonies take over your land, they’ll make better use of it than you have—”
The spy’s defiant words crystallize the ideological conflict between the Republic and Colonies, exposing the propaganda war and territorial motivations driving their conflict. This quote represents the chapter’s exploration of political manipulation and national identity.
4. “I force myself to look on as they try to pry information out of him. I need to learn this, to familiarize myself with this.”
This moment showcases the protagonist’s brutal initiation into military interrogation tactics, revealing her conscious choice to harden herself despite personal trauma. It marks a turning point in her character development.
5. “Metias can’t be tortured. He is already dead.”
This stark realization serves as both a psychological defense mechanism and a painful acceptance of loss. The blunt finality of this statement contrasts with the preceding violence, emphasizing how grief intersects with duty in this dystopian world.