Legend (Legend #1)
Chapter 33: Part Two: Day 6
by Marie, Lu,The protagonist, imprisoned and aware that his execution is imminent, devises a plan to escape his cell on the sixth day of captivity. Outside, chaos erupts as plague patrols clash with civilians in the Lake and Alta sectors, the gunfire underscoring the brutality of the regime. His thoughts drift to June, whose presence he longs for, as she provides him comfort and clarity. Determined to break free, he assesses the building’s structure, recalling its ledges and his ability to navigate them despite his injured leg, while also plotting to rescue his brother, John, from another cell.
Observing the four armed guards in his cell, the protagonist analyzes their weapons and uniforms, deducing that their rifles likely use non-lethal ammunition. To manipulate them, he feigns illness, gagging and coughing to sow doubt about a potential plague infection. The guards, wary of contamination, debate calling a bio team. Seizing the moment, he pretends to worsen, spitting on the floor to heighten their fear. Their hesitation grants him an opportunity as one guard approaches to handcuff him, creating the opening he needs to act.
In a swift move, the protagonist disarms the guard, using him as a hostage to force the others to unlock the cell door. Despite warnings of overwhelming opposition outside, he bursts into the hallway, dodging rubber bullets and soldiers. Leveraging his agility, he climbs and swings through the chaos, aiming for the sixth floor to reach John. However, his injured leg hampers him, and after a brief struggle, he is overpowered by a rifle strike to the head. The guards restrain him as Commander Jameson arrives, reprimanding her troops for their incompetence.
Jameson condemns the escape attempt as foolish and orders the protagonist returned to his cell under stricter guard. As Thomas carries out her commands, the protagonist, still dazed, reflects on his failed plan. The chapter ends with his recapture, emphasizing the relentless control of the regime and the slim hope of freedom. His determination to rescue John remains, but the odds against him grow starker, leaving his fate uncertain as his execution draws nearer.
FAQs
1. What strategy does the protagonist use to attempt an escape, and why does this approach initially work?
Answer:
The protagonist fakes illness by gagging, coughing, and dry heaving to convince the guards he might be infected with the plague. This works because the guards show uncertainty about whether he could be contagious, especially after mentioning his exposure to “Patient Zero” (his brother). Their fear of infection causes them to lower their guard—one soldier approaches to handcuff him, creating the opportunity to grab his gun. The chapter highlights how the soldiers’ fear of biological contamination overrides their security protocols, giving the protagonist a temporary advantage.2. How does the physical setting of Batalla Hall influence the protagonist’s escape plan?
Answer:
The protagonist notes that Batalla Hall’s exterior has ledges he could navigate despite his injured leg, unlike the slick walls of Central Hospital. This observation informs his plan to break through a window and flee along the building’s exterior. Internally, he also analyzes the cell’s steel walls, deducing that the guards likely use non-lethal rubber bullets or tranquilizers to avoid ricochets. These environmental details shape his tactical decisions, showing how he adapts his escape strategy to the specific constraints and opportunities of his prison.3. Analyze the significance of June’s absence in this chapter. How does her memory function for the protagonist?
Answer:
June serves as an emotional anchor and source of courage for the protagonist. He reflects on her ability to “sympathize with [his] thoughts” and calm him, wishing she were present during his ordeal. Her absence underscores his isolation, contrasting with earlier moments of camaraderie. Notably, he recalls her clue about John’s location (Prisoner 6822), which drives his escape attempt. This duality—June as both a comforting memory and a catalyst for action—reveals how relationships persist as psychological lifelines in dire circumstances.4. What critical mistake leads to the protagonist’s recapture, and what does this reveal about the antagonists’ tactics?
Answer:
The protagonist is overwhelmed by sheer numbers after exiting his cell, and his injured leg slows him down at a crucial moment (he nearly falls while climbing). More importantly, Commander Jameson’s timely intervention shows the military’s organized response: she immediately replaces the incompetent guards and berates their failure. This highlights the system’s resilience—individual soldiers may falter, but the hierarchy maintains control through disciplined chains of command and rapid adaptation to threats.5. How does the chapter use sensory details to create tension during the escape sequence?
Answer:
The scene employs visceral imagery to immerse readers in the protagonist’s frantic perspective. Sounds dominate: “shouts,” “gunfire,” “rubber pellets,” and the “clicks” of unlocking doors amplify the chaos. Physical sensations—pain from his leg, the “sharp pain” of a rifle butt—ground the action in the body’s limitations. Visual snippets (“blink of an eye” glimpses of hallway details) mimic his fragmented awareness during the struggle. These sensory cues heighten tension by forcing readers to experience the escape attempt as the protagonist does: disjointed, painful, and desperate.
Quotes
1. “I TRY TO BREAK OUT OF MY PRISON TONIGHT. THIS is how it happens.”
This opening line sets the tone for the chapter, immediately establishing the protagonist’s desperate attempt at escape and the high-stakes tension that follows. It marks a pivotal moment in the narrative where action takes center stage.
2. “Her face might give me courage, too. I’ve had trouble building up my courage without Tess, or John, or my mother.”
This quote reveals the protagonist’s emotional vulnerability and reliance on loved ones for strength, contrasting with the physical battle ahead. It humanizes the character amid the action and underscores the theme of connection as motivation.
3. “Patient Zero. I knew it.”
A crucial revelation that confirms the protagonist’s suspicions about his brother’s role in the plague. This moment carries significant plot implications and adds deeper personal stakes to the escape attempt.
4. “Suddenly I twist, and for a split second I’m free. Before he can react, I whirl, yank the gun out of his holster, and point it straight at him.”
This visceral description captures the critical turning point in the escape attempt, showcasing the protagonist’s quick thinking and combat skills. The intense action sequence represents his best chance at freedom.
5. “A foolish attempt,” she says. […] “I want the current guards dismissed and thrown off my patrol.”
Commander Jameson’s cold assessment and subsequent orders demonstrate the system’s ruthless efficiency and the protagonist’s ultimate failure. This moment reinforces the power imbalance and sets up future confrontations.