Legend (Legend #1)
Chapter 17: Part One: Day 9
by Marie, Lu,The protagonist reflects on a recent intimate moment with a girl, conflicted by his emotions. Despite knowing he shouldn’t have kissed her, he can’t deny his lingering feelings, comparing her to others he’s been with and finding her uniquely captivating. His internal struggle highlights his vulnerability, breaking his own rule of avoiding emotional attachments to people on the streets. The encounter leaves him distracted as he shifts focus to his mission, attempting to push aside the memory as he navigates the night.
He visits his family’s home, noting the ominous X on the door and the flickering candles signaling his mother’s vigilance over Eden. Crouching in the darkness, he checks his surroundings before slipping under the porch to meet his brother, John. The tension is palpable as he moves cautiously, sensing something in the shadows but dismissing it. The scene underscores the constant danger and secrecy surrounding his family’s survival in their dystopian reality.
During their covert meeting, the protagonist reveals he’s close to securing enough money for cures, showing John the pouch of Notes. John’s anxious update about Eden’s deteriorating health heightens the urgency of their mission. The protagonist reassures John with determined promises, though the weight of potential failure looms. Their shared fear for Eden’s life underscores the emotional stakes, binding them in a race against time.
John offers to help, but the protagonist refuses, insisting on working alone to minimize risk. His harsh dismissal stems from protectiveness, knowing John’s capture would doom their family. The exchange reveals their deep bond and mutual frustration, as both grapple with helplessness. The protagonist departs quickly, leaving John with unspoken words, his resolve hardened by the looming threat and his personal sacrifices. The chapter ends with a sense of urgency and unresolved tension.
FAQs
1. What internal conflict does the narrator experience after kissing the girl, and how does this reveal his emotional state?
Answer:
The narrator experiences guilt and self-reproach for kissing the girl, yet simultaneously admits he is glad he did it. He acknowledges that he “shouldn’t have done it” and “especially shouldn’t be glad,” but he cannot deny his lingering feelings—her lips, her soft skin, and the trembling of her hands. This contradiction highlights his emotional turmoil: he is torn between his rational understanding of the risks (falling for someone on the streets) and his overwhelming desire for connection. The kiss stands out from past encounters, as he “wanted more,” suggesting a deeper emotional vulnerability he struggles to reconcile with his survival-focused mindset.2. Analyze the significance of the narrator’s interaction with John. What does it reveal about their relationship and their circumstances?
Answer:
The interaction underscores their bond as brothers and their shared desperation to save Eden. John’s anxiety about Eden’s worsening condition (“He’s lost more weight”) contrasts with his usual strength, revealing the family’s fragility. The narrator’s insistence on working alone (“Better that only one of us is out there”) reflects both protectiveness and pragmatism, as John’s capture would doom their entire family. Their physical resemblance (“we can pass for twins”) symbolizes their unity in adversity. The whispered exchange, the hidden meeting, and the urgency to gather money (“sixteen hundred Notes”) emphasize the oppressive, dangerous world they inhabit, where survival hinges on secrecy and sacrifice.3. How does the setting contribute to the tension in this chapter? Provide specific details.
Answer:
The setting amplifies tension through its pervasive darkness and secrecy. The narrator moves through empty streets, crouches under a porch, and communicates via coded whistles, emphasizing constant danger. The “strange X on the door” and flickering candles suggest surveillance or impending threat, while the “shadows across the street” trigger paranoia (“Something stirs… I pause”). The cramped, hidden spaces (crawling under the porch, meeting in darkness) mirror the characters’ constrained lives. These details create a claustrophobic atmosphere, where every sound or movement could betray them, reinforcing the high stakes of their actions—whether stealing a kiss or saving a dying sibling.4. What thematic role does Eden play in this chapter, even though he does not appear directly?
Answer:
Even offstage, Eden serves as the emotional and motivational core of the chapter. His illness (“Not good… he’s lost more weight”) drives the narrator’s risky actions, including his determination to secure money for a cure. Eden symbolizes innocence and the family’s dwindling hope, making his potential death unthinkable (“I don’t want to think about losing him”). His condition also heightens the stakes of the narrator’s choices—his kiss with the girl could be seen as a fleeting grasp at humanity amid relentless hardship. Eden’s unseen presence thus underscores themes of familial love, sacrifice, and the fragility of life in a harsh world.5. Evaluate the narrator’s decision to reject John’s offer of help. Is his reasoning justified? Why or why not?
Answer:
The narrator’s refusal is pragmatically sound but emotionally complex. His reasoning—that John’s capture would doom their family—is valid given the soldiers’ implied brutality (“you’ll all die”). However, his abrupt dismissal (“Don’t be stupid”) hints at guilt, as he recognizes John’s frustration and desire to contribute. While his solo approach minimizes risk, it also isolates him, potentially compounding his emotional strain. The decision reflects the brutal calculus of their world: individual sacrifice (the narrator’s safety) is necessary for collective survival. Yet, it raises questions about sustainability—whether one person can bear such burdens indefinitely without breaking.
Quotes
1. “I shouldn’t have done it, I tell myself. I shouldn’t have kissed her. I especially shouldn’t be glad that I did it. But I am.”
This quote captures the protagonist’s internal conflict after kissing the girl, revealing his emotional vulnerability and the complexity of his feelings despite his self-warnings. It marks a turning point in his emotional journey within the chapter.
2. “I’ve kissed plenty of beautiful girls before, but not like this one. I’d wanted more. I can’t believe I managed to pull away.”
This passage highlights the uniqueness of his connection with the girl, emphasizing how she stands apart from others he’s encountered. It underscores the theme of unexpected emotional depth in a harsh environment.
3. “John shakes his head. The anxiety on his face unnerves me, because I always expect him to be the strongest of us. ‘Not good,’ he says. ‘He’s lost more weight. But he’s still alert, and he recognizes us. I think he has a few more weeks.’”
This exchange reveals the dire situation with Eden’s health and the emotional toll it’s taking on the family, particularly showing how illness is testing their resilience. It represents the chapter’s central conflict and motivation for the protagonist’s actions.
4. “I don’t want to think about the possibility of losing Eden. ‘I promise I’ll have the money soon. All I need is one more lucky break, and I’ll be there, and we’ll have it for him.’”
This quote demonstrates the protagonist’s determination and desperation to save his brother, driving the chapter’s narrative forward. It shows his willingness to take risks while clinging to hope against mounting odds.